List of Characters

Role Identification

Anne Shirley

Anne Shirley is the protagonist of the novel, a young woman who is navigating her way through adulthood and her new role as a teacher.

Marilla Cuthbert

Marilla Cuthbert is Anne's guardian and a maternal figure in her life.

Gilbert Blythe

Gilbert Blythe is a friend and potential love interest for Anne, a fellow student and teacher in Avonlea.

Diana Barry

Diana Barry is Anne's best friend, who provides support and companionship throughout the story.

Rachel Lynde

Rachel Lynde is a neighbor and friend to Anne and Marilla, providing wisdom and guidance.

Davy Keith

Davy Keith is an orphan boy who comes to live with Anne and Marilla, adding a new dynamic to their household.

Character Descriptions

Anne Shirley

Anne is a spirited and imaginative young woman with a fiery temper and a kind heart. She has a strong love for literature and a desire to make a positive impact on the world around her.

Marilla Cuthbert

Marilla is a practical and stern woman who takes on the role of guardian to Anne. She is initially reserved but has a deep love for Anne and a desire to see her succeed.

Gilbert Blythe

Gilbert is a handsome and charming young man who is both a friend and a potential romantic interest for Anne. He is hardworking and ambitious, with a kind and caring nature.

Diana Barry

Diana is a loyal and supportive friend to Anne, with a gentle and kind-hearted demeanor. She is a source of comfort and joy in Anne's life.

Rachel Lynde

Rachel is a wise and outspoken neighbor who provides humor and guidance to Anne and Marilla. She is known for her sharp wit and strong opinions.

Davy Keith

Davy is a mischievous and lively young boy who brings energy and chaos into Anne and Marilla's lives. He is full of curiosity and a sense of adventure.

Character Traits

Anne Shirley

• Imaginative
• Spirited
• Kind-hearted
• Fiery
• Intelligent

Marilla Cuthbert

• Practical
• Stern
• Loving
• Reserved
• Responsible

Gilbert Blythe

• Charming
• Hardworking
• Ambitious
• Kind
• Supportive

Diana Barry

• Loyal
• Supportive
• Gentle
• Kind-hearted
• Empathetic

Rachel Lynde

• Wise
• Outspoken
• Humorous
• Opinionated
• Caring

Davy Keith

• Mischievous
• Lively
• Curious
• Adventurous
• Energetic

Character Background

Anne Shirley

Anne is an orphan who was mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and her brother Matthew. She has a tumultuous past but is determined to make the most of her new life in Avonlea.

Marilla Cuthbert

Marilla is a practical and responsible woman who, along with her brother, took in Anne out of a sense of duty. She has a stoic exterior but a deep capacity for love and care.

Gilbert Blythe

Gilbert comes from a hardworking and supportive family, with aspirations to become a successful professional. He has always harbored feelings for Anne and is determined to win her affection.

Diana Barry

Diana is the daughter of a well-respected family in Avonlea, known for her gentle nature and unwavering loyalty to Anne.

Rachel Lynde

Rachel is a longtime resident of Avonlea, known for her sharp tongue and her genuine concern for her friends and neighbors.

Davy Keith

Davy is an orphan boy who is taken in by Marilla and Anne, adding a new and unpredictable element to their lives.

Character Arcs

Anne Shirley

Anne's character arc revolves around her growth from a spirited and impulsive young girl to a mature and independent woman. She learns valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Marilla Cuthbert

Marilla's character arc involves her transition from a reserved and practical guardian to a more emotionally open and nurturing figure in Anne's life. She learns to embrace love and compassion more openly.

Gilbert Blythe

Gilbert's character arc revolves around his pursuit of Anne's affections and his own personal and professional growth. He learns the value of patience, persistence, and understanding.

Diana Barry

Diana's character arc focuses on her unwavering support of Anne and her own journey towards adulthood, including the challenges and joys that come with it.

Rachel Lynde

Rachel's character arc centers on her evolving relationships with Anne, Marilla, and the other residents of Avonlea, as she learns to balance her sharp wit with a deeper sense of empathy and understanding.

Davy Keith

Davy's character arc involves his adjustment to life with Anne and Marilla, as he learns important lessons about love, responsibility, and the meaning of family.

Relationships

Anne Shirley and Marilla Cuthbert

Anne and Marilla share a complex and evolving relationship, moving from a guarded and formal connection to a deep and loving bond as they navigate the challenges of Anne's adolescence and adulthood.

Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe

Anne and Gilbert's relationship is marked by playful teasing, unspoken affection, and the growth of a deep and enduring love that transcends their youthful misunderstandings and ambitions.

Anne Shirley and Diana Barry

Anne and Diana's friendship is steadfast and unwavering, providing both support and joy as they navigate the trials and triumphs of growing up in Avonlea.

Anne Shirley and Rachel Lynde

Anne and Rachel's relationship is characterized by Rachel's sharp wit and Anne's spirited nature, leading to moments of tension and humor, but ultimately rooted in mutual respect and care.

Anne Shirley and Davy Keith

Anne's relationship with Davy is one of patience, guidance, and understanding, as she takes on the role of mentor and caretaker for the lively and mischievous young boy.

This character analysis delves into the diverse personalities and relationships within "Anne of Avonlea," shedding light on the individual growth and interwoven dynamics that shape the narrative.