Who is George Barnwell Ellis from Crossing to Safety and what is their importance?

George Barnwell Ellis is Charity's father and a Harvard professor. He is ruled completely by his wife. During the summer, his wife sends him off to his think house after breakfast, where he works on scholarly books but rarely finishes anything. George rarely says anything during the novel, but he does warn Charity against marrying Sid, saying that she's too strong for him.