The City of Ember

The novel’s protagonist; a 12-year-old girl. Lina is thin, with long dark hair, and she loves to run. Because of this, she’s thrilled when her former friend Doon offers to trade jobs with her so… read analysis of Lina Mayfleet

One of the novel’s protagonists. Doon is 12 years old, serious beyond his years, and pragmatic. He doesn’t believe that things are great in Ember; the regular blackouts and dwindling food stores make it clear… read analysis of Doon Harrow

Ember’s mayor. He’s a massive, gray-faced man whose eyes seem to look out on people from tunnels. Lina appears to dislike him from the beginning, an assessment that Clary later confirms is appropriate—Clary says that… read analysis of Mayor Cole

A young man a few years older than Lina and Doon who works in the storerooms and runs a shop. Lina describes him as funny looking: he’s unkempt, has a prominent Adam’s apple, and walks… read analysis of Looper Windley

The people who built Ember over two centuries before the novel begins. Though the Builders are human, the people of Ember regard them almost as godlike figures. Nothing is known about who the Builders actually… read analysis of The Builders

Lina and Poppy’s elderly grandmother and the girls’ only caregiver after the deaths of their parents. Granny is a small woman with wild white hair. She runs a yarn shop above which she, Lina… read analysis of Granny

Lina’s best friend in school. Lizzie has bright red hair and talks a mile per minute, often about herself or things that she finds interesting, but she is capable of expressing genuine care and… read analysis of Lizzie Bisco

An unnamed woman who was one of the original residents of Ember. Lina, Doon, and Poppy find her handwritten journal abandoned in the cave where the river ends and read her account. They… read analysis of The Woman

Doon’s father is a tall, thin, bald man. Unlike Doon, Doon’s father is mild-mannered, logical, and in Doon’s opinion, seems incapable of anger. He runs a shop that sells various small objects like shoe… read analysis of Doon’s Father

The head gardener and formerly Lina’s father’s boss. Clary is a solid, square, and quiet woman. Lina often seeks Clary out for guidance or comfort, since when Clary does speak, it’s often hard-hitting and… read analysis of Clary Laine

Lina’s younger sister. Poppy is a happy toddler who’s just learning to walk and talk, though she has a bad habit of running away from Lina if Lina gets distracted. She also is somewhat… read analysis of Poppy Mayfleet

The young guard who works at the desk in the Gathering Hall. He’s huge, but with a head that seems too small for his body. Lina wonders if he’s new at his job, as he… read analysis of Barton Snode

The fourth-year teacher in Ember. Mrs. Polster is very interested in teaching children right from wrong, which she does mostly by telling her students every single time they make a mistake—even long after they’re no… read analysis of Mrs. Polster

Ember’s chief guard; a hulking man with a huge black moustache. He’s dour and humorless, and sinisterly tells Lina that curiosity only leads to trouble when he escorts her off the roof of the Gathering… read analysis of Redge Stabmark

Ember’s seventh mayor. He was a dishonorable man and when he became ill, he selfishly believed that the box containing the Instructions to leave the city contained the cure. Because of this, the Instructions ended… read analysis of The Seventh Mayor

The young blond woman who supervises Doon on his first day in the Pipeworks. According to Lister Munk, Arlin is an expert at her job, even though she looks far too tiny and delicate… read analysis of Arlin Froll

A Supply Depot clerk who always seems drawn and worried. Lina is around when Sadge stumbles into the greenhouses after venturing into the Unknown Regions, looking for something to help Ember. His experience was terrifying… read analysis of Sadge Merrall