# Ella — Short Fiction character guide > Ella in Short Fiction by Ring Lardner. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Honor Bright, Nora, Crowley, Nora Crowley, Honey **First appearance:** 0000-my-roomy ## Snapshot A young woman on a train west, Ella fills the silence with talk of Frisco and Lake Placid while her prettier, quieter friend sleeps beside her. ## Who they are Ella is the talkative, self-assured traveler who dominates the conversation with Chapman, name-dropping resorts and opinions while Mildred dozes unnoticed. Her chatter is both a social performance and a kind of armor — she's the one who insists on being interesting, who corrects Chapman on calling San Francisco 'Frisco,' who manages to seem traveled and knowing. Her casual assessment of Mildred as 'kind of sweet-looking' but lacking expression reveals the quiet cruelty of the socially adept, and her voice sets the story's tone of restless, aspirational movement. ## Relationships ### [Kate Hayes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/characters/kate_hayes) _friendship_ Ella and Kate Hayes are close friends, possibly confidantes or companions. ### [Kate Hayes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/characters/kate_hayes) _friendship_ Ella and Kate Hayes are close friends, possibly confidantes or companions. ### [Kate Hayes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/characters/kate_hayes) _friendship_ Ella and Kate Hayes are close friends, possibly confidantes or companions. ## In the story ### [Tour No. 2](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/tour-no-2) Minnie, Larry's wife, who is seasick and unenthusiastic about the trip. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/i) Mentioned as Minnie, Larry's wife, who is spending money on clothes and is upset with Larry. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/v) Dolly, referred to as Ella, is the woman Ike becomes engaged to and who leaves him after overhearing the conversation. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/iii) Warner's fiancée, who is upset about the lost inheritance and insists on waiting to marry until debts are paid. ### [The Clubby Roadster](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/the-clubby-roadster) The narrator's wife, who is initially asleep in the back seat and later wakes to the rough ride, adding to the general discomfort. ### [VI: Syracuse to Hudson 183.2](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/vi-syracuse-to-hudson-183-2) The mother, who tries to make conversation and suggests stops. ### [I: Quick Returns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/i-quick-returns) The narrator's wife, who is determined to move to New York to find a husband for her sister Kate. ### [II: Ritchey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/ii-ritchey) The narrator's wife, who insists on moving to Riverside Drive to improve Kate's chances of meeting a suitable man, despite the high cost. ### [III: Lady Perkins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/iii-lady-perkins) Tom's wife, frustrated with the hotel's social scene. ### [IV: Only One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/iv-only-one) Ella encourages Kate to accept Daley's proposal and is part of the betting group. ### [V: Katie Wins a Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/v-katie-wins-a-home) The narrator's wife, who is skeptical of Ralston and the investment. ### [Some Like Them Cold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/some-like-them-cold) Mabelle Gillespie, the recipient of the letters, responds with wit and a hint of jealousy. ### [Who Dealt?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/who-dealt) Ella is the narrator, who speaks throughout the chapter, sharing stories about Tom's writing, the Guthries, and her own preferences. She is also a bridge player, often distracted by conversation. ### [Rhythm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/rhythm) Rita Marlowe, Harry's girlfriend, whom he callously drops as his fame rises. ### [I Can’t Breathe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/i-can-t-breathe) The narrator, a young woman engaged to Walter, who becomes entangled with Frank and Gordon. ### [III: Young Man Goes West](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/iii-young-man-goes-west) Referred to as Dolly Madison, the narrator's dance partner at the Seattle ball. ### [IX: Yale, Beaten by Blind Boys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/ix-yale-beaten-by-blind-boys) Bera Grudge, the eccentric daughter who constantly shouts 'Sis-Boom-Ah! Tiger!' and is obsessed with tigers. ### [X: A Gay Christmas Eve](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/x-a-gay-christmas-eve) Mrs. Stevens, the laundress, who is witty and participates in the festivities. ### [XIX: A Soft Job](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/xix-a-soft-job) Mentioned as Nora Bayes, a customer at the ticket window. ### [XXV: Even Judge Ogle Smiled](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/xxv-even-judge-ogle-smiled) The Queen of Romania, referred to as Marie, who attends the luncheon and displays a folksy demeanor. ### [Sun Cured](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/sun-cured) Miss Clancy, Fretts's fifty-three-year-old office manager, who insisted he take a vacation to recover from his exhausting lifestyle. ### [Now and Then](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/now-and-then) Irma's friend, the recipient of the letters, though not present in the chapter. ### [Nora](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/nora) Referred to as 'Nora', the heroine of Hazlett's play, though her character is significantly altered in the producers' revisions. ### [There Are Smiles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/there-are-smiles) The woman driving the Cadillac, who has an irresistible smile and a thrilling voice. She engages Ben in playful conversation and offers him a ride. ### [The Maysville Minstrel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/chapters/the-maysville-minstrel) Stephen's wife, Stella, who encourages his poetry and is excited when his poem is published. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/characters/ella - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_62_se/characters