39 Across
NYT Daily • August 22, 2025
Plaza resident of fiction
Answer:
ELOISE
Hint:
This mischievous six-year-old lives at the top of a famous New York hotel.
Explanation:
"Plaza resident of fiction" points to Eloise, the mischievous little girl who lives at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. She’s the star of a beloved children’s book series by Kay Thompson, where her wild antics and fancy hotel life make her famous. The clue plays on "Plaza" as her home and "resident" to hint at her name, assuming you know the character. It’s a straightforward cultural reference for fans of classic kids’ literature.