Hepzibah Pyncheon is a 60-year-old woman who never married. She has lived alone for the last 30 years in the house of the seven gables. She dresses in black and wears a turban. She appears to have a permanent scowl on her face, but it is due to squinting to compensate for her poor vision, not an indicator of a bad temper. Despite her reclusive state and humble nature, Hepzibah is the protagonist of The House of Seven Gables.

Hepzibah is very close to her brother, Clifford, and has been living in anguish since his unjust imprisonment 30 years ago, after being accused of murdering Uncle Jaffrey. Hepzibah grew up wealthy, but most of her adult life she has lived in poverty, although provided with the house. As a means of supporting herself and Clifford, who is finally released from prison, she opens a shop in one of the gables that was used many years ago by a family member for that purpose.

The first day running the store is very stressful for Hepzibah, who would rather not have a public-facing role, though many townspeople wish her well. She is tender-hearted and generous with many of the customers, even giving away much of her merchandise, making little money.