Anne of Avonlea · Character

Paul Irving

Anne's small, dreamy pupil, raised on porridge and grandmotherly discipline, who prays nightly for grace to finish his plate and longs for the father away on business.

supporting

Also known as Paul, Master Paul

First appearance: A Full-Fledged Schoolma’am

As a supporting figure in Anne of Avonlea, Paul Irving is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Paul is introduced as a new student with a kindred spirit to Anne; they share an instant bond.

In the storyA Full-Fledged Schoolma’amOpen this moment free

See Paul Irving in A Full-Fledged Schoolma’am Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

In A Full-Fledged Schoolma’am: Paul is introduced as a new student with a kindred spirit to Anne; they share an instant bond. Later, in The Pointing of Duty: Praised by Anne as a darling and a genius, making up for the…

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Paul Irving sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Paul Irving in A Full-Fledged Schoolma’am

Character Web

25 connections

A slice of how Paul Irving sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Professional
Friendship
Social
Other

Character groups

Avonlea community members
Protagonist
Extended community and visitors

+20 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

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 reading

Relationships

Anne Shirley
professional · positive
Anne is Paul's devoted and imaginative teacher, fostering a deep bond through his… How this plays out →
Davy Keith
friendship · positive
Young Mary Joe
social · positive
Mrs. Rachel Lynde
social · positive
Anne Shirley
professional · positive
Anne is Paul's devoted and imaginative teacher, fostering a deep bond through his… How this plays out →
Anne Shirley
professional · positive
Anne is Paul's devoted and imaginative teacher, fostering a deep bond through his… How this plays out →
Young Mary Joe
social · positive
Davy Keith
friendship · positive
Mrs. Rachel Lynde
social · positive
Mrs. Rachel Lynde
social · positive
Davy Keith
friendship · positive

Anne Shirley
Anne is Paul's devoted and imaginative teacher, fostering a deep bond through his sensitive and poetic nature.
Davy Keith
Davy and Paul are schoolmates and friends, with Davy often dragging the imaginative Paul into mischief.
Young Mary Joe
Paul interacts with the young maid at his boarding house, often sharing his fanciful stories with her.
Mrs. Rachel Lynde
Mrs. Lynde is a kindly neighbor who takes an interest in Paul, often fussing over him.
Anne Shirley
Anne is Paul's devoted and imaginative teacher, fostering a deep bond through his sensitive and poetic nature.
Anne Shirley
Anne is Paul's devoted and imaginative teacher, fostering a deep bond through his sensitive and poetic nature.
Young Mary Joe
Paul interacts with the young maid at his boarding house, often sharing his fanciful stories with her.
Davy Keith
Davy and Paul are schoolmates and friends, with Davy often dragging the imaginative Paul into mischief.
Mrs. Rachel Lynde
Mrs. Lynde is a kindly neighbor who takes an interest in Paul, often fussing over him.
Mrs. Rachel Lynde
Mrs. Lynde is a kindly neighbor who takes an interest in Paul, often fussing over him.
Davy Keith
Davy and Paul are schoolmates and friends, with Davy often dragging the imaginative Paul into mischief.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Paul Irving in A Full-Fledged Schoolma’am

In the story

Paul Irving appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

A Full-Fledged Schoolma’am
Paul is introduced as a new student with a kindred spirit to Anne; they share an instant bond.
The Pointing of Duty
Praised by Anne as a darling and a genius, making up for the difficulties with other students.
Marilla Adopts Twins
Referenced as a model of good behavior; Anne uses him to influence Davy.
A Jonah Day
Paul's disappointed expression haunts Anne after she loses her temper in class.
XV: The Beginning of Vacation
Paul waits for Anne at the hill, shares his grief for his mother, talks about his birthday and his father, and discusses his rock people and porridge struggles.
Just a Happy Day
Confides in Anne about his fear that he might be 'wrong in his upper story' after overhearing Mary Joe's comment; is reassured by Anne.
Miss Lavendar's Romance
Accompanies Anne to Echo Lodge and meets Miss Lavendar, forming an immediate bond.
Around the Bend
Anne thinks fondly of Paul, one of her pupils she will miss when she leaves teaching.
An Afternoon at the Stone House
Perceptively notices Miss Lavendar's distant look, shares his dream people, and forms a deep connection with her.
The Prince Comes Back to the Enchanted Palace
Excitedly tells Anne that his father has arrived; sits happily between Anne and his father.
Poetry and Prose
Paul visits Anne to express his joy about his father's engagement to Miss Lavendar, trusting his father's choice.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Paul Irving unlock in the free preview.

See Paul Irving in A Full-Fledged Schoolma’am