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Portrait of Ellie Henderson

Ellie Henderson

A socially awkward and financially insecure cousin of Clarissa Dalloway, invited to her party.

From "Mrs. Dalloway" by Woolf, Virginia

Core Belief

"Ellie seems to believe in the importance of social connections and maintaining appearances, likely stemming from her precarious financial situation. She strives to be proper and avoid causing offense, reflecting a deep-seated fear of social disapproval."

Worldview

Ellie views the world from a position of insecurity and marginalization. She sees the upper class as a realm of wealth and privilege to which she does not fully belong, leading to a sense of inferiority and a constant need to prove her worth. Her worldview is shaped by her limited resources and the societal pressures she faces.

Personality

Ellie is characterized by her timidity, social anxiety, and financial worries. She is acutely aware of her lower social standing compared to Clarissa and other guests, leading her to feel out of place and self-conscious. Despite her insecurities, she possesses a gentle and observant nature, taking quiet pleasure in watching others at the party.

In Their Own Words

"“Yes, they do,” said Richard Dalloway. “Yes.”"
"And Ellie Henderson, getting nervous and flushing and feeling that it was extraordinarily nice of him to come and talk to her, said that many people really felt the heat more than the cold."

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