"Emily of New Moon" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

"Emily of New Moon" is a captivating novel written by Lucy Maud Montgomery, where the protagonist, Emily Starr, embarks on a journey of self-discovery in the idyllic setting of New Moon Farm. Throughout the story, Emily encounters various characters who play significant roles in shaping her life and experiences.

Character Descriptions

Emily Starr

Emily Starr is the main character and the story's protagonist. She is a spirited and imaginative young girl, with dark hair and "star-like" gray eyes. Emily is known for her intelligence and keen observation skills, which she uses to make sense of the world around her. She possesses a deep love for literature and dreams of becoming a famous writer.

Aunt Elizabeth

Aunt Elizabeth is Emily's strict and unforgiving guardian and the primary antagonist of the story. She is a tall and austere woman with cold brown eyes and a sharp tongue. Despite her harsh demeanor, Aunt Elizabeth cares deeply for Emily's well-being and strives to mold her into a proper lady.

Perry Miller

Perry Miller is a charming and handsome young man who becomes Emily's love interest. He is known for his musical talent and gentle nature. Perry grows up on New Moon Farm and shares Emily's passion for writing. Their shared love for creativity forms a strong bond between them, and their friendship later develops into a deep affection.

Ilse Burnley

Ilse Burnley is Emily's best friend and confidante. She is a fiery and unconventional girl with wild red curls. Ilse comes from a troubled family background, and her rebellious nature often clashes with Emily's more reserved demeanor. However, their friendship endures, and Ilse's presence brings excitement and adventure into Emily's life.

Teddy Kent

Teddy Kent is Emily's childhood friend and a fellow aspiring writer. He is a sensitive and introspective young boy with dreamy blue eyes. Teddy possesses a deep understanding of nature and frequently shares his observations with Emily. His friendship serves as a source of inspiration for Emily's writing endeavors.

Character Traits

Emily Starr

• Imaginative and observant
• Intelligent and determined
• Creative and passionate about writing
• Introverted and introspective

Aunt Elizabeth

• Strict and authoritarian
• Cold and unforgiving
• Pragmatic and traditional
• Protective and caring beneath her tough exterior

Perry Miller

• Talented musician
• Gentle and kind-hearted
• Supportive and encouraging
• Artistic and sensitive

Ilse Burnley

• Rebellious and unconventional
• Spirited and adventurous
• Loyal and fiercely protective
• Vulnerable and deeply scarred

Teddy Kent

• Thoughtful and insightful
• Nature-loving and observant
• Quiet and reflective
• Nurturing and encouraging

Character Background

Emily Starr

Emily Starr is a young orphan whose father passed away when she was only a baby. She is sent to live with her Aunt Elizabeth at New Moon Farm in Prince Edward Island. Despite her loss and troubled childhood, Emily possesses a rich imagination and a burning desire to express herself through writing.

Aunt Elizabeth

Aunt Elizabeth is a stern and hard-working woman who takes Emily into her care after the death of her parents. She carries the weight of past family betrayals, which has made her cautious and guarded. Aunt Elizabeth sees potential in Emily but is fearful of allowing her to pursue her dreams, preferring a more practical approach to life.

Perry Miller

Perry Miller is a talented and misunderstood young man who lives on New Moon Farm. He faces judgment and discrimination due to his unconventional family background. Perry's love for music and Emily's encouragement serves as an escape from the harsh realities of his life.

Ilse Burnley

Ilse Burnley hails from an impoverished and dysfunctional family. Her unpredictable and troubled household environment drives her to seek solace and stability in her friendship with Emily. Ilse often acts as a catalyst for Emily's growth, challenging her to embrace her true self.

Teddy Kent

Teddy Kent is a childhood friend of Emily's, and they share a special bond. Teddy's mother passed away when he was young, and he longs to commemorate his mother's memory through his writing. Teddy's friendship with Emily provides her with companionship and a kindred spirit.

Character Arcs

Emily Starr

Emily goes through a transformative character arc, where she grows from a shy and introverted girl into a confident and accomplished young woman. Throughout the story, Emily faces several obstacles that shape her resilience and determination. Her pursuit of writing and the support of her loved ones, including Aunt Elizabeth, Perry, Ilse, and Teddy, help her overcome challenges and embrace her true identity.

Aunt Elizabeth

Aunt Elizabeth's character arc focuses on her evolving relationship with Emily. Initially portrayed as cold and domineering, Aunt Elizabeth softens over time, starting to recognize Emily's talents and supporting her writing aspirations. While she remains a strict guardian, her love for Emily becomes more apparent, and she learns to balance guidance with allowing Emily's individuality to flourish.

Perry Miller

Perry's character arc revolves around his struggle to find acceptance and identity within his community. As Emily's friendship and love interest, he gains confidence and learns to embrace his unique qualities. Perry's growth is tied to his music and the emotional connection he shares with Emily.

Ilse Burnley

Ilse's character arc centers on her journey towards healing and understanding her worth. Through her friendship with Emily, Ilse begins to shed her defensive and rebellious nature, allowing her vulnerability to emerge. Ilse finds comfort and stability with her friends, helping her navigate her troubled family dynamic.

Teddy Kent

Teddy's character arc focuses on his journey to reconcile his grief over his mother's death and find his voice as a writer. His friendship with Emily gives him the strength to express his emotions through his writing and establish a sense of purpose. Teddy's growth is marked by his introspection and ability to channel his inner turmoil into his art.

Relationships

Emily Starr and Aunt Elizabeth

The relationship between Emily and Aunt Elizabeth is complex and evolves throughout the story. Aunt Elizabeth's strict upbringing clashes with Emily's independent spirit, leading to moments of tension. However, as Emily matures and Aunt Elizabeth recognizes her potential, their bond deepens, revealing a mutual love and respect that ultimately shapes Emily's character.

Emily Starr and Perry Miller

Emily and Perry's relationship is characterized by a deep connection built on shared dreams and passions. Their friendship grows into a tender and passionate love, providing Emily with unwavering support and encouragement in her writing endeavors.

Emily Starr and Ilse Burnley

Emily and Ilse's friendship is filled with adventure, laughter, and understanding. Their bond serves as a source of strength and solace for both girls, allowing them to navigate the challenges of their respective lives together while embracing their individuality.

Emily Starr and Teddy Kent

Emily and Teddy share a childhood friendship rooted in their shared love for writing and nature. Their bond is marked by profound understanding and an unspoken emotional connection. Teddy's support and guidance play a pivotal role in Emily's growth as a writer.

Conclusion

"Emily of New Moon" presents readers with a rich tapestry of characters whose interactions and growth shape the story's narrative. Emily Starr's journey of self-discovery is intricately woven with relationships that both challenge and nurture her. As readers follow Emily's character arc and witness the evolving dynamics with characters like Aunt Elizabeth, Perry Miller, Ilse Burnley, and Teddy Kent, they become immersed in a world of emotions, dreams, and the power of friendship. Lucy Maud Montgomery's masterful storytelling leaves a lasting impression on readers, highlighting the beauty and complexity of human connections.