<P> Meredith Grey, M.D. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy, which airs on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States . The character was created by series' producer Shonda Rhimes, and is portrayed by actress Ellen Pompeo . Meredith is the series' protagonist and title character, and was introduced as a surgical intern at the fictional Seattle Grace Hospital (later Seattle Grace - Mercy West, and afterwards Grey Sloan Memorial), eventually obtaining the position of a resident, and later the position of an attending, and in 2015, attaining the Chief of General Surgery position . As the daughter of world - renowned surgeon Ellis Grey, Meredith struggles with the everyday life of being in a competitive profession, maintaining the relationship with her one - night stand and eventual husband Derek Shepherd (deceased), her motherhood, and her friendships with her colleagues . </P> <P> Meredith is the narrator of the show and serves as the focal point for most episodes . Pompeo's connection with Patrick Dempsey (Derek Shepherd) is acclaimed as a high point of the series . Rhimes has characterized Meredith as not believing in good or bad, but instead doing what she thinks is right . Grey has been positively received by television critics, with Alessandra Stanley of The New York Times referring to her as "the heroine of Grey's Anatomy". News of Pompeo leaving arose when it was made clear that her contract ended after the eighth season, and whether or not she would return to the series after her contract expires has been the centre of media speculation ever since . In 2016, Pompeo re-negotiated her contract and signed up for the thirteenth season of the show . </P> <P> Pompeo's performance has been well received throughout the show and the character has gained widespread popularity worldwide . Pompeo has been nominated for multiple awards for her portrayal of the character in the long running ABC medical drama including Satellite Award for Best Actress and multiple nominations at the People's Choice Awards for Best Actress winning at 39th People's Choice Awards in 2013 and again in 2015 at 41st People's Choice Awards, Pompeo has also received a Best Performance by an Actress in a Drama Series nomination at the 64th Golden Globe Awards . </P> <P> Dr. Meredith Grey is the daughter of world - renowned surgeon Ellis Grey, and grew up in her shadow . Ellis was a deeply flawed, emotionally and verbally abusive, neglectful mother towards her . Meredith is described as a "dark and twisty," damaged person who sees the world in varying shades of gray morality . Because of this, she is an emotionally complex person capable of empathizing with others when they're at their lowest points, and a sensitive observer of the people around her . Meredith is a graduate of Dartmouth College and nearly did not attend med school due to conflicts with her mother . Meredith was directionless after obtaining her undergrad and had plans to sleep and party her way through Europe . After a month abroad, Meredith was called back to care for Ellis, who had developed early - onset Alzheimer's disease, and Meredith obtained her M.D. </P>

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