Anne of Green Gables · Character

Diana Barry

The black-haired girl next door who becomes Anne's sworn bosom friend, and whose mother's disapproval tests the friendship almost immediately.

supporting

Also known as Diana, Di, Barry

First appearance: iv morning at green gables

As a supporting figure in Anne of Green Gables, Diana Barry is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Introduced as a potential playmate and bosom friend for Anne, described as pretty with black eyes and hair.

In the storyAnne’s Bringing-Up Is BegunOpen this moment free

Diana is pretty, well-behaved, and everything Avonlea expects a minister's daughter to be, which makes her the perfect counterweight to Anne's impropriety. She is also the first person who ever calls Anne a kindred spirit, and the friendship gives Anne something she has never had: a witness to her own life. When Anne's recklessness puts Diana in trouble at home, the bond has to survive more than either girl expected.

See Diana Barry in Anne’s Bringing-Up Is Begun Book page

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Character Web

31 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Avonlea core community
Extended Avonlea townsfolk

+26 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point

This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Anne’s crisis:…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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Relationships

Anne Shirley
friendship · positive
Anne and Diana are kindred spirits and inseparable best friends, sharing adventures and… How this plays out →
Marilla Cuthbert
social · positive
Gilbert Blythe
social · positive
Matthew Cuthbert
social · positive
Anne Shirley
friendship · positive
Anne and Diana are kindred spirits and inseparable best friends, sharing adventures and… How this plays out →
Anne Shirley
friendship · positive
Anne and Diana are kindred spirits and inseparable best friends, sharing adventures and… How this plays out →
Marilla Cuthbert
social · positive
Gilbert Blythe
social · positive
Marilla Cuthbert
social · positive
Matthew Cuthbert
social · positive
Matthew Cuthbert
social · positive
Gilbert Blythe
social · positive

Anne Shirley
Anne and Diana are kindred spirits and inseparable best friends, sharing adventures and unwavering loyalty.
Marilla Cuthbert
Diana is a respectful neighbor and Anne's friend, with Marilla approving of their friendship despite occasional mischief.
Gilbert Blythe
Diana and Gilbert are classmates and friends, with Diana acting as a neutral bridge between Anne and Gilbert.
Matthew Cuthbert
Diana is fond of shy, kind Matthew, who treats her warmly as Anne's best friend.
Anne Shirley
Anne and Diana are kindred spirits and inseparable best friends, sharing adventures and unwavering loyalty.
Anne Shirley
Anne and Diana are kindred spirits and inseparable best friends, sharing adventures and unwavering loyalty.
Marilla Cuthbert
Diana is a respectful neighbor and Anne's friend, with Marilla approving of their friendship despite occasional mischief.
Gilbert Blythe
Diana and Gilbert are classmates and friends, with Diana acting as a neutral bridge between Anne and Gilbert.
Marilla Cuthbert
Diana is a respectful neighbor and Anne's friend, with Marilla approving of their friendship despite occasional mischief.
Matthew Cuthbert
Diana is fond of shy, kind Matthew, who treats her warmly as Anne's best friend.
Matthew Cuthbert
Diana is fond of shy, kind Matthew, who treats her warmly as Anne's best friend.
Gilbert Blythe
Diana and Gilbert are classmates and friends, with Diana acting as a neutral bridge between Anne and Gilbert.

Relationship notes

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

See Diana Barry in iv morning at green gables

In the story

Diana Barry appears across 25 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Anne’s Bringing-Up Is Begun
Introduced as a potential playmate and bosom friend for Anne, described as pretty with black eyes and hair.
XII: A Solemn Vow and Promise
Meets Anne for the first time, agrees to be her bosom friend, and shares plans for playhouses and adventures.
XIII: The Delights of Anticipation
Anne's best friend and playmate; they have a playhouse called Idlewild; Diana tells Anne about the picnic and the need for a basket.
XV: A Tempest in the School Teapot
Anne's best friend who walks to school with her and tries to persuade her to come back after the incident.
Diana Is Invited to Tea with Tragic Results
Diana comes for tea, enjoys the supposed raspberry cordial, and becomes intoxicated, leading to her mother's anger.
A New Interest in Life
Forbidden by her mother to play with Anne; secretly passes notes and gifts to Anne at school.
Anne to the Rescue
Reunited with Anne; helps nurse Minnie May through the night.
XIX: A Concert, a Catastrophe, and a Confession
Anne's best friend; invites Anne to stay overnight and attend the concert; involved in the catastrophe.
A Good Imagination Gone Wrong
Anne's companion in creating the Haunted Wood and in gathering Mayflowers; she is away when Anne visits the Barry kitchen.
A New Departure in Flavourings
Diana is Anne's friend who talks with her about the preparations and reassures her about the cake.
Anne Comes to Grief in an Affair of Honour
Hosts the party and is Anne's concerned friend, begging her not to attempt the dare and rushing to her side after the fall.
Miss Stacy and Her Pupils Get Up a Concert
Anne's desk mate and friend. She is to sing a solo in the concert.
Matthew Insists on Puffed Sleeves
Brings Anne a Christmas gift of kid slippers from her Aunt Josephine and attends the concert.
The Story Club Is Formed
Anne's friend, walks with Anne to school, discusses beaus and writing compositions, listens to Anne's story.
Vanity and Vexation of Spirit
Mentioned as Anne's companion in gadding off; later suggests a black velvet ribbon for Anne's growing hair.
An Unfortunate Lily Maid
Participates in the Elaine reenactment as Lancelot, helps plan the game, and panics when Anne appears to drown.
An Epoch in Anne's Life
Diana shares the exciting news of the invitation and accompanies Anne on the trip.
The Queen's Class Is Organized
Anne's bosom friend who is not studying for the Entrance exam, causing Anne to feel the 'bitterness of death' at their separation in studies.
Where the Brook and River Meet
Diana and Anne spend the summer together reveling in outdoor delights.
The Pass List Is Out
Supports Anne through the waiting period and brings the newspaper announcing the pass list.
The Hotel Concert
Helps Anne dress and offers fashion advice; accompanies Anne to the concert.
A Queen's Girl
Diana has a tearful parting with Anne and later goes to a beach picnic with Carmody cousins.
The Glory and the Dream
Welcomes Anne home and reassures her of their friendship.
XXXVII: The Reaper Whose Name Is Death
Offers comfort to Anne, though Anne prefers solitude.
The Bend in the Road
Signals to Anne from the Barry gable, continuing their old custom of communication.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Diana Barry unlock in the free preview.

See Diana Barry in iv morning at green gables

See Diana Barry in Anne’s Bringing-Up Is Begun