Zeena's rule over Ethan is powerful. She is seen as a "mysterious alien presence" and an "evil energy." Zeena is silent, secretive, and observant. When she does speak, it is to voice either a want or a criticism; consequently, before the arrival of Mattie, silence has prevailed in the Frome household. There never was and never would be any real communication between Ethan and Zeena. Zeena is intuitive; she notices everything and does not easily forget things. Ethan fears that she knows his innermost thoughts. The extent of Zeena's authority is such that Ethan and Mattie are both uneasy when reminded of her; Mattie can not even sit comfortably in Zeena's rocking chair while Zeena is in Bettsbridge. Ethan's last impression before the sled hits the elm tree is that he sees a horribly disfigured specter of Zeena's face.
Despite her undesirable qualities, Zeena responds to the tragedy with stoic endurance as she takes the responsibility for the care of Ethan and Mattie. Her thoughts about the smash-up are not revealed. Zeena continues to find fault and complain; however she is finally drawn out of her hypochondriac self-indulgence by the need to care for others.
