Lina is an orphan her father died of ill-ness. 5-6 months later, her mother died giving birth to her much loved little sister, Poppy. Lina lives with her grandmother called Granny, and her toddler sister, Poppy. After Granny's death, she moves in with Mrs. Murdo. The seventh mayor of Ember, Podd Morethwart, was one of Lina's ancestors. Lina is first introduced as a student in Ms. Thorn's class on Assignment Day. She hopes desperately to get the job of Messenger, where she will be able to carry messages among the city and explore. To her dismay, she recieves the dreaded job of Pipeworks Laborer, where she must work underground. As she is heading home to Granny and Poppy, Doon Harrow, a classmate who recieved the job of Messenger, rushes up to her and offers her a trade. Surprised, she asks him why and her replies that he has ideas about it.