"Anne of Green Gables" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

Anne Shirley

Anne is the protagonist of the story, a spirited and imaginative orphan girl who is adopted by the Cuthbert siblings.

Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert

Marilla and Matthew are siblings who become Anne's guardians. Marilla is the stern and practical one, while Matthew is gentle and kind-hearted.

Diana Barry

Diana is Anne's best friend and kindred spirit, providing unwavering support and companionship.

Gilbert Blythe

Gilbert starts as Anne's rival but eventually becomes her close friend and love interest.

Mrs. Rachel Lynde

Mrs. Lynde is the Cuthberts' outspoken and opinionated neighbor who often clashes with Anne's romanticism.

Josie Pye

Josie is a schoolmate of Anne's, often embodying the traditional feminine ideal that Anne rebels against.

Miss Stacy

Miss Stacy is Anne's beloved teacher, who encourages her intellectual and emotional growth.

Character Descriptions

Anne Shirley

Anne is a red-haired, imaginative, and talkative young girl with a vivid imagination and a flair for the dramatic.

Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert

Marilla is a no-nonsense, practical woman who initially struggles to understand Anne's exuberant nature. Matthew is a shy and sensitive man who forms a deep bond with Anne.

Diana Barry

Diana is Anne's loyal and supportive best friend, known for her kind and gentle nature.

Gilbert Blythe

Gilbert is a handsome and intelligent boy who starts off as Anne's rival but later becomes a close friend and potential love interest.

Mrs. Rachel Lynde

Mrs. Lynde is a sharp-tongued, opinionated neighbor who often offers unsolicited advice to the Cuthberts and Anne.

Josie Pye

Josie is a popular and conventional girl who often clashes with Anne's unconventional ways.

Miss Stacy

Miss Stacy is a kind and progressive teacher who influences Anne's intellectual and emotional development.

Character Traits

Anne Shirley

Anne is imaginative, talkative, passionate, and highly expressive. She often lets her emotions guide her actions but has a strong sense of empathy and kindness.

Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert

Marilla is practical, stern, and initially resistant to change, while Matthew is gentle, shy, and deeply caring.

Diana Barry

Diana is kind, loyal, and gentle, providing unwavering support to Anne.

Gilbert Blythe

Gilbert is intelligent, charming, and initially competitive, but later reveals a compassionate and caring nature.

Mrs. Rachel Lynde

Mrs. Lynde is outspoken, nosy, and traditional in her beliefs, often clashing with Anne's more unconventional ideas.

Josie Pye

Josie is conventional, popular, and often represents the traditional expectations placed on young girls.

Miss Stacy

Miss Stacy is progressive, kind, and encouraging, inspiring her students to think critically and embrace their individuality.

Character Background

Anne Shirley

Anne grew up in various abusive and neglectful situations before arriving at Green Gables. Her vivid imagination and storytelling abilities helped her cope with her difficult past.

Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert

Marilla and Matthew lived a quiet and solitary life before Anne's arrival, and their decision to adopt her brings unexpected joy and challenges into their lives.

Diana Barry

Diana comes from a loving and supportive family, providing a stark contrast to Anne's tumultuous upbringing.

Gilbert Blythe

Gilbert hails from a respected and well-off family, and his initial rivalry with Anne stems from a youthful misunderstanding.

Mrs. Rachel Lynde

Mrs. Lynde is a long-time resident of Avonlea and is known for her strong opinions and active involvement in the community.

Josie Pye

Josie comes from a well-to-do family and is often seen as a model of conventional femininity in the community.

Miss Stacy

Miss Stacy is a well-educated and independent woman who brings a fresh perspective to the conservative community of Avonlea.

Character Arcs

Anne Shirley

Anne's character arc revolves around her growth from an impulsive and imaginative girl to a more mature and grounded young woman, while still retaining her vibrant spirit.

Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert

Marilla and Matthew's character arcs involve their transformation from a quiet and solitary life to embracing the challenges and joys of raising Anne.

Diana Barry

Diana's character arc mainly revolves around her unwavering support and friendship towards Anne, despite the challenges they face.

Gilbert Blythe

Gilbert's character arc includes his evolution from a competitive and sometimes arrogant young man to a more understanding and supportive friend to Anne.

Mrs. Rachel Lynde

Mrs. Lynde's character arc involves her gradual acceptance of Anne's unconventional ways and her growing fondness for the spirited young girl.

Josie Pye

Josie's character arc highlights her clashes with Anne and the eventual realization that there is value in embracing individuality and non-conformity.

Miss Stacy

Miss Stacy's character arc showcases her impact on her students' intellectual and emotional growth, including Anne's development into a confident and independent thinker.

Relationships

Anne and Marilla

Marilla initially struggles to understand Anne's exuberant personality but grows to deeply love and appreciate her unique spirit.

Anne and Matthew

Matthew forms a deep and tender bond with Anne, providing her with the warmth and understanding she craves.

Anne and Diana

Diana's unwavering friendship and support play a crucial role in Anne's emotional growth and sense of belonging.

Anne and Gilbert

Anne and Gilbert's relationship evolves from rivalry to friendship and potential romance, highlighting themes of forgiveness and understanding.

Anne and Mrs. Rachel Lynde

Mrs. Lynde's outspoken nature often clashes with Anne's romanticism, but she ultimately becomes fond of the young girl.

Anne and Miss Stacy

Miss Stacy serves as a mentor to Anne, encouraging her intellectual and emotional development and inspiring her to embrace her individuality.

In "Anne of Green Gables," L.M. Montgomery crafts a rich tapestry of characters whose diverse personalities and relationships drive the narrative forward, offering readers a compelling exploration of growth, friendship, and the power of individuality.