Actress Ellen Pompeo is Meredith Grey in the ABC series Grey's Anatomy
Actress Ellen Pompeo, of the series "Grey's Anatomy" arrives at the 2013 People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles, January 9, 2013. Reuters/Danny Moloshok

"Grey's Anatomy" Season 11 is currently on holiday hiatus. Episode 8 ended with a number of cliffhangers, and certain characters are expected to step up to solve problems. Alex Karev, Arizona Robbins, and Amelia Shepherd are expected to come through, not only for themselves, but for other characters at Grey Sloan Memorial.

Spoiler alert: This character update contains Grey's Anatomy Season 11 spoilers. Read at your own risk if you have not watched the most recent episodes.

Alex Karev (Justin Chambers). Alex has lost his bid to get a seat at the Board, but he got his mentor back in the process. Instead of wallowing over the Board's unanimous decision to choose Bailey (Chandra Wilson) over him, he has decided to simply move on. Now he's Meredith's (Ellen Pompeo) go-to person for honest insights. He is expected to help Meredith deal with marital problems, which escalated in Grey's Anatomy Season 11, Episode 8 ("Risk").

Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw). Arizona's marriage has fallen apart. Her wife Callie (Sara Ramirez) seems determined to get a divorce. Their conversation in Grey's Anatomy Season 11, Episode 8 does not bode well for the future of their marriage.

Arizona may not be able to fix her marriage, but she can help her mentor Dr Herman (Geena Davis) in the latter's battle against cancer. The two of them might even be able to help Jackson (Jesse Williams) and April's (Sarah Drew) unborn child, who is revealed to have an extreme case of fragile bones.

Amelia Shepherd (Caterina Scorsone). After a series of exhausting fights with her brother Derek (Patrick Dempsey), Amelia is likely to catch a break. Derek has decided (again) to take the POTUS offer to head an important medical project in D.C. That set aside, Amelia is expected to focus on Dr Herman's case.

"Amelia is this young whippersnapper with a very bold plan and Dr. Herman has heard it all before and doesn't suffer fools. Amelia is going to have to do some pretty delicate dancing to convince Dr. Herman that this is a good idea to try," Scorsone told The Hollywood Reporter recently.

'Grey's Anatomy' Season 11 Air Date: Medical Drama Returns Jan. 29

"Grey's Anatomy" Season 11 returns to ABC on Jan. 29, according to the network's website. The series is expected to immediately focus on the condition of Jackson and April's baby when it comes back.

Related TV Stories, Episode Guides and Spoilers

'Grey's Anatomy' Season 11 Update: Shonda Rhimes Reveals Background Of The 'Japril Baby' Story (Speculations, Review)

'How To Get Away With Murder' Update, Teasers: Viola Davis Shows Off Annalise Keating's New 'Do, Shonda Rhimes Stoked Over Nominations (READ)

'The Little Prince' Movie Trailer Thrills Netizens, See Social Media Reviews [VIDEO]