Who’s who in Anne of Green Gables, the 1908 novel by L. M. Montgomery, with a guide to every character in our retelling for ages 6–9 by Sean Lee.
Anne of Green Gables is a book about a small community in Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, and its characters feel like neighbors. At the center is Anne Shirley, an eleven-year-old orphan who arrives by mistake at the farm of Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Matthew is shy and gentle, and Marilla is brisk and practical, and between them they slowly learn to love a girl who never stops talking.
Around Green Gables are the people who shape Anne’s years: her bosom friend Diana Barry and Diana’s little sister Minnie May, blunt neighbor Mrs. Rachel Lynde, encouraging teacher Miss Stacy and clever classmate Gilbert Blythe, who starts as Anne’s rival and ends as her friend. These guides explain who each person is, what they do in the story and how they are connected, and each one offers a question to talk about together. Parents should know that Matthew dies near the end of the book. It is handled gently, and the story closes with hope.
Marilla’s brother • Shy and gentle
Matthew is a quiet, gentle farmer who lives at Green Gables with his sister Marilla. He is very shy, especially around girls, yet he loves listening to Anne’s chatter from the moment they meet. Matthew understands Anne better than anyone and always finds small, kind ways to make her happy.
Full character guide
Orphan girl • Full of imagination
Anne is an eleven-year-old orphan with red braids, freckles and an imagination as big as the sky. She talks a mile a minute, gives beautiful names to ordinary places and feels every joy and sorrow with her whole heart. Sent to Green Gables by mistake, Anne longs for a real home and someone to love her.
Full character guide
Matthew’s sister • Stern and practical
Marilla is Matthew’s sister, a tall, practical woman who keeps Green Gables spotless. She expected an orphan boy to help on the farm and isn’t sure what to do with a chatty little girl. Marilla is strict and not one for fuss, but under her brisk manner beats a warm, loving heart.
Full character guide
The village neighbor • Outspoken and nosy
Mrs. Rachel Lynde is the busiest woman in Avonlea and always says exactly what she thinks. She can be nosy and blunt, and her first words about Anne lead to a fiery quarrel. But she is also warm-hearted and dependable, and she shows up for her neighbors when they need her most.
Full character guide
Bosom friend • Sweet and loyal
Diana is a sweet girl with shiny black hair and rosy cheeks who lives on the Barry farm next door. She loves pretty ribbons, pretend games and Anne’s grand way of talking. Diana becomes Anne’s bosom friend, and she stays loyal through mix-ups, tears and adventures.
Full character guide
School rival • Clever and bold
Gilbert is a clever, handsome boy at the Avonlea school with brown curls and a mischievous grin. When he teases Anne about her red hair, he starts a long rivalry, and the two race to be top of the class. Gilbert says sorry more than once and turns out to be generous and kind.
Full character guide
Diana’s baby sister
Minnie May is Diana’s baby sister at the Barry farm. One cold winter night, while her parents are away in town, she falls very sick with croup and has trouble breathing. Anne knows just what to do, and her quick care helps Minnie May get well, which brings two families back together.
Full character guide
The schoolteacher • Inspiring and kind
Miss Stacy is the bright, cheerful new teacher who comes to Avonlea full of fresh ideas. She takes her class on nature walks and invites her best students, including Anne and Gilbert, to stay after school to prepare for a big exam. She believes in Anne and encourages her to aim high.
Full character guide