Ada, Egan’s cousin and a key secondary character in the story, is initially portrayed as antagonistic, judgmental, and unsympathetic. From the moment Egan arrives, she scowls at him, declares that she and her cat don’t like him, and enjoys seeing her cat scratch him. Her behavior is often mean-spirited, such as when she gleefully announces that the Megrimum ate their Uncle Ott. Ada relishes fear and superstition—when the storm arrives, her eyes are “saucers of excitement” as she announces it’s time to hear the Megrimum’s wail (28). Ada challenges Egan’s courage, daring him to climb Kneeknock Rise and prove he isn’t a “sissy.” Her teasing pushes Egan into action, leading to the story’s climax. Even after Egan returns from the mountain and tells the truth about the Megrimum, Ada refuses to believe him, instead doubling down on her superstition.

Aunt Gertrude is characterized by her deep-rooted superstition and anxious nature. From her first appearance, she vacillates between criticizing and complimenting Egan, reflecting her emotional inconsistency. She feels deeply fearful of the unknown and hates the possibility that Uncle Ott has climbed the mountain and been devoured by the Megrimum. Aunt Gertrude insists on various superstitious rituals, using wishbones and onions to ward off the Megrimum, underscoring the novel’s thematic engagement with How Folklore Shapes Communities. When someone appears at the window during the storm, Aunt Gertrude immediately blames it on supernatural causes, blaming Uncle Anson’s bird-clock for attracting evil.

As a craftsman, Uncle Anson makes wooden clocks, including one designed with a Kneeknock bird that underscores the superstition and belief in legends that govern the lives of the Instep villagers. The clock is instantly destroyed by the cat, who hates Kneeknock birds, causing Aunt Gertrude to declare the clock a bad omen. Babbitt characterizes Anson as practical, calm, and reserved during family discussions, but he demonstrates bravery when he takes action, volunteering to go up the mountain to find Egan. Uncle Anson acts as a voice of reason throughout the narrative. For example, when Egan returns from his journey and reveals the truth about the Megrimum, Uncle Anson initially silences him, pretending that the boy must be feverish, but in a private conversation, he admits to Egan that belief is often more important than fact, pointing out that once a person decides one way or the other, it can be almost impossible to change their mind. He suggests that mystery can serve a comforting, communal purpose, bringing people together and fulfilling a need.