# Anne Shirley — Anne of Green Gables character guide > Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Anne, Anne of Green Gables, Nancy, Cordelia Montmorency, Cordelia, little Anne Shirley, Ann Shirley **First appearance:** 0001-ii-matthew-cuthbert-is-surprised ## Snapshot A starved, red-haired orphan whose reckless imagination and hunger for beauty turn a farmhouse mistake into a home, and a whole town upside down. ## Who they are Anne arrives at Green Gables expecting to be wanted and finds she is not, because the Cuthberts sent for a boy. She meets that rejection the way she meets everything — by talking, naming, and imagining it into something bearable, kneeling at her window to rename a cherry tree and a pond. Her hunger for love and her refusal to be ordinary force Marilla to choose between propriety and this strange, radiant child. ## Relationships ### [Marilla Cuthbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/marilla_cuthbert) _family_ Anne and Marilla develop a deep mother-daughter bond, with Marilla initially stern but growing to love Anne as her own child. ### [Diana Barry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/diana_barry) _friendship_ Anne and Diana are kindred spirits and inseparable best friends, sharing adventures and unwavering loyalty. ### [Matthew Cuthbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/matthew_cuthbert) _family_ Matthew is Anne's gentle, adoring father figure who immediately cherishes her and supports her dreams. ### [Gilbert Blythe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/gilbert_blythe) _rivalry_ Anne and Gilbert begin as fierce academic rivals, with Anne holding a grudge after he calls her 'carrots,' but later develop mutual respect. ### [Josie Pye](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/josie_pye) _rivalry_ Josie Pye is a mean-spirited rival who often taunts Anne and tries to outdo her, leading to mutual antagonism. ### [Jane Andrews](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/jane_andrews) _friendship_ Jane is a friendly classmate and part of Anne's social circle, though not as close as Diana. ### [Mr. Phillips](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/mr_phillips) _professional_ Mr. Phillips is Anne's first teacher, who is often inattentive and unfair, leading to Anne's resentment and a strained student-teacher dynamic. ### [Mr. Superintendent Bell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/mr_superintendent_bell) _professional_ Mr. Bell is the school superintendent who examines students, and Anne respects him as an authority figure. ### [Prissy Andrews](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/prissy_andrews) _social_ Prissy is an older student whom Anne admires for her beauty and romance with Mr. Phillips, though their interaction is limited. ### [Marilla Cuthbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/marilla_cuthbert) _family_ Anne and Marilla develop a deep mother-daughter bond, with Marilla initially stern but growing to love Anne as her own child. ### [Marilla Cuthbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/marilla_cuthbert) _family_ Anne and Marilla develop a deep mother-daughter bond, with Marilla initially stern but growing to love Anne as her own child. ### [Diana Barry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/diana_barry) _friendship_ Anne and Diana are kindred spirits and inseparable best friends, sharing adventures and unwavering loyalty. ## In the story ### [Matthew Cuthbert Is Surprised](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/ii-matthew-cuthbert-is-surprised) An imaginative and talkative orphan girl of about eleven, with red hair and freckles. She eagerly anticipates her new home and expresses her love for beauty and imagination. ### [III: Marilla Cuthbert Is Surprised](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/iii-marilla-cuthbert-is-surprised) Arrives at Green Gables as an unexpected girl instead of a boy; expresses despair and longing for a home; reveals her imaginative nature and preference for the name 'Cordelia' and 'Anne with an e'. ### [Morning at Green Gables](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/iv-morning-at-green-gables) Awakens to the beauty of Green Gables, names the cherry tree 'Snow Queen' and the geranium 'Bonny,' and struggles with the possibility of being sent away. ### [Anne’s History](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/v-anne-s-history) Reveals her tragic history and her imaginative resilience; expresses her love of poetry and romantic notions. ### [Marilla Makes Up Her Mind](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/vi-marilla-makes-up-her-mind) Anxious and hopeful as her fate is debated; pleads to stay at Green Gables. ### [Anne Says Her Prayers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/vii-anne-says-her-prayers) Reveals her imaginative and candid nature through her unconventional prayer, expressing gratitude for her renamed natural surroundings and her desires to stay at Green Gables and become pretty. ### [Anne’s Bringing-Up Is Begun](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/viii-anne-s-bringing-up-is-begun) Overjoyed at being allowed to stay, Anne shows her imaginative nature and eagerness to learn, while also revealing her past imaginary friends and her hope for a real bosom friend. ### [Mrs. Rachel Lynde Is Properly Horrified](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/ix-mrs-rachel-lynde-is-properly-horrified) Explores Green Gables' surroundings with delight, but reacts with explosive anger when Mrs. Lynde insults her appearance, revealing her deep sensitivity and fierce temper. ### [Anne's Apology](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/x-anne-s-apology) Anne is initially defiant but eventually agrees to apologize to Mrs. Lynde, showing her capacity for growth and her desire to please Matthew. ### [XI: Anne's Impressions of Sunday-School](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xi-anne-s-impressions-of-sunday-school) Anne attends Sunday school for the first time, feeling out of place due to her plain dress and lack of puffed sleeves, but uses her imagination to cope with the experience. ### [XII: A Solemn Vow and Promise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xii-a-solemn-vow-and-promise) Excited and anxious to meet Diana, Anne makes a solemn vow of friendship and is overjoyed by the new bond. ### [XIII: The Delights of Anticipation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xiii-the-delights-of-anticipation) Exuberantly anticipates the Sunday school picnic, talks endlessly about it, and expresses her love for imaginative play with Diana. ### [XIV: Anne's Confession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xiv-anne-s-confession) Confesses to taking and losing the brooch, then pleads desperately to attend the picnic, showing her dramatic and imaginative nature. ### [XV: A Tempest in the School Teapot](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xv-a-tempest-in-the-school-teapot) Feels deeply insulted and humiliated after being forced to sit beside Gilbert Blythe as punishment; stubbornly refuses to return to school. ### [Diana Is Invited to Tea with Tragic Results](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xvi-diana-is-invited-to-tea-with-tragic-results) Anne is overjoyed to host Diana for tea, but her mistake with the raspberry cordial leads to tragedy. She is devastated by Mrs. Barry's rejection and cries herself to sleep. ### [A New Interest in Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xvii-a-new-interest-in-life) Returns to school after the rift with Diana, channels her energy into academic rivalry with Gilbert. ### [Anne to the Rescue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xviii-anne-to-the-rescue) Perfectly happy after reconciling with Mrs. Barry; studies geometry with determination; saves Minnie May's life with skill and presence of mind. ### [XIX: A Concert, a Catastrophe, and a Confession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xix-a-concert-a-catastrophe-and-a-confession) Excited about the concert, accidentally jumps into bed with Miss Barry, then bravely confesses to take the blame. ### [A Good Imagination Gone Wrong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xx-a-good-imagination-gone-wrong) Revels in spring beauty, creates the Haunted Wood with Diana, and is forced by Marilla to confront her fears by walking through it at night. ### [A New Departure in Flavourings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxi-a-new-departure-in-flavourings) Anne is the protagonist who makes a mistake with the cake and later reflects on Mr. Phillips' departure and the new minister's arrival. ### [Anne Is Invited Out to Tea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxii-anne-is-invited-out-to-tea) Thrilled by her first invitation to tea at the manse, Anne experiences intense joy and anxiety, ultimately having a wonderful visit with Mrs. Allan. ### [Anne Comes to Grief in an Affair of Honour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxiii-anne-comes-to-grief-in-an-affair-of-honour) Accepts a dangerous dare to walk a ridgepole, falls and breaks her ankle, then recovers at home while eagerly discussing Miss Stacy. ### [Miss Stacy and Her Pupils Get Up a Concert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxiv-miss-stacy-and-her-pupils-get-up-a-concert) Returns to school in October, thriving under Miss Stacy's influence. Enthusiastically participates in the concert preparations, taking on recitations, dialogues, and a tableau role as Hope. ### [Matthew Insists on Puffed Sleeves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxv-matthew-insists-on-puffed-sleeves) Receives the longed-for dress with puffed sleeves and performs brilliantly at the Christmas concert. ### [The Story Club Is Formed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxvi-the-story-club-is-formed) Turns thirteen, reflects on growing up, discusses her story club and her composition 'The Jealous Rival; or, in Death Not Divided.' ### [Vanity and Vexation of Spirit](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxvii-vanity-and-vexation-of-spirit) In despair after dyeing her hair green, cuts it short, and resolves to be good despite vanity. ### [An Unfortunate Lily Maid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxviii-an-unfortunate-lily-maid) Plays Elaine in the reenactment, gets into a dangerous situation when the boat sinks, is rescued by Gilbert Blythe but refuses his friendship, and later resolves to be less romantic. ### [An Epoch in Anne's Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxix-an-epoch-in-anne-s-life) Anne enjoys the Exhibition and concert, feels the pang of growing up, and treasures the return home. ### [The Queen's Class Is Organized](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxx-the-queen-s-class-is-organized) Dreams by the fire, feels the solemnity of turning fourteen, struggles with hidden regret over her rift with Gilbert, and resolves to enjoy one last summer of childhood imagination. ### [Where the Brook and River Meet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxi-where-the-brook-and-river-meet) Anne enjoys a golden summer outdoors, regains her health, and prepares for the Entrance examination with renewed ambition. ### [The Pass List Is Out](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxii-the-pass-list-is-out) Takes the Entrance exams, ties for first place with Gilbert Blythe, and feels a mix of pride and gratitude. ### [The Hotel Concert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-hotel-concert) Dresses for the concert, experiences stage fright, recites successfully, and enjoys the evening. ### [A Queen's Girl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxiv-a-queen-s-girl) Anne leaves Green Gables for Queen's Academy, experiences homesickness, learns about the Avery scholarship, and decides to take First Class work. ### [XXXV: The Winter at Queen’s](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxv-the-winter-at-queen-s) Anne overcomes homesickness, forms new friendships at Queen's, and maintains a healthy rivalry with Gilbert, focusing on personal growth rather than mere victory. ### [The Glory and the Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxvi-the-glory-and-the-dream) Wins the Avery scholarship, returns home, and notices Matthew's poor health. ### [XXXVII: The Reaper Whose Name Is Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-reaper-whose-name-is-death) Grieves deeply for Matthew, struggles with tearless sorrow, and later finds comfort in nature and friendship. ### [The Bend in the Road](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxviii-the-bend-in-the-road) Decides to forgo college to stay with Marilla; plans to teach and study at home; reconciles with Gilbert. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/anne_shirley - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters