Anne of Avonlea · Character
Marilla Cuthbert
Anne's plainspoken, duty-bound guardian at Green Gables, whose stern exterior hides a heart that keeps softening against her will.
major
Also known as Miss Marilla Cuthbert, Miss Cuthbert
First appearance: Anne of Avonlea
As a major figure in Anne of Avonlea, Marilla Cuthbert is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Anne's guardian, who takes in Davy and Dora and manages the household.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Having raised Anne from a scrawny orphan into a young woman, Marilla now finds herself adopting the Keith twins and juggling a household that refuses to stay orderly. Her grim face on the drive home from the funeral…
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The fuller portrait of Marilla Cuthbert sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Marilla Cuthbert in Anne of AvonleaCharacter Web
37 connectionsA slice of how Marilla Cuthbert sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Family
- Other
Character groups
- Avonlea community members
- Extended community and visitors
- Deceased loved ones
- Protagonist
+32 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter is the dramatic climax because it marks the peak of Anne and Gilbert’s covert collaboration, reve…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Anne Shirley
family · positive
Anne has a loving, maternal relationship with Marilla, who raised her and now relies on… How this plays out →
- Davy Keith
family · ambivalent
- Mrs. Rachel Lynde
friendship · positive
- Dora Keith
family · positive
- Anne Shirley
family · positive
Anne has a loving, maternal relationship with Marilla, who raised her and now relies on… How this plays out →
- Anne Shirley
family · positive
Anne has a loving, maternal relationship with Marilla, who raised her and now relies on… How this plays out →
- Davy Keith
family · ambivalent
- Davy Keith
family · ambivalent
- Mrs. Rachel Lynde
friendship · positive
- Dora Keith
family · positive
- Mrs. Rachel Lynde
friendship · positive
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Marilla Cuthbert in Anne of AvonleaIn the story
Marilla Cuthbert appears across 24 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- Anne of Avonlea
- An Irate Neighbour
- Selling in Haste and Repenting at Leisure
- Mr. Harrison at Home
- IV: Different Opinions
- All Sorts and Conditions of Men… and Women
- The Pointing of Duty
- Marilla Adopts Twins
- +16 more
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Marilla Cuthbert unlock in the free preview.
See Marilla Cuthbert in Anne of Avonlea