Marilla Cuthbert

Anne Shirley

Anne and Marilla develop a deep mother-daughter bond, with Marilla initially stern but growing to love Anne as her own child.

Matthew Cuthbert

Marilla and Matthew are brother and sister who run Green Gables together, with Marilla as the practical head and Matthew as the quiet, kind counterpart.

Diana Barry

Diana is a respectful neighbor and Anne's friend, with Marilla approving of their friendship despite occasional mischief.

Gilbert Blythe

Marilla views Gilbert as a respectable, hardworking boy and approves of his academic rivalry with Anne.

Josie Pye

Marilla knows Josie as a troublesome girl from the village and disapproves of her mean behavior toward Anne.

Mr. Phillips

Marilla interacts with Mr. Phillips as a parent figure regarding Anne's schooling, often critical of his teaching methods.

Anne Shirley

Anne and Marilla develop a deep mother-daughter bond, with Marilla initially stern but growing to love Anne as her own child.

Anne Shirley

Anne and Marilla develop a deep mother-daughter bond, with Marilla initially stern but growing to love Anne as her own child.

Matthew Cuthbert

Marilla and Matthew are brother and sister who run Green Gables together, with Marilla as the practical head and Matthew as the quiet, kind counterpart.

Diana Barry

Diana is a respectful neighbor and Anne's friend, with Marilla approving of their friendship despite occasional mischief.

Matthew Cuthbert

Marilla and Matthew are brother and sister who run Green Gables together, with Marilla as the practical head and Matthew as the quiet, kind counterpart.

Diana Barry

Diana is a respectful neighbor and Anne's friend, with Marilla approving of their friendship despite occasional mischief.

Mrs. Rachel Lynde Is Surprised

Shown as a practical, reserved woman with a rigid conscience but a hint of humor. She explains the plan to adopt an orphan boy to Mrs. Rachel, defending Matthew's decision.

Matthew Cuthbert Is Surprised

Mentioned as the one Matthew wishes were present to handle the situation; she is expected to break the news to Anne about the mistake.

III: Marilla Cuthbert Is Surprised

Surprised and displeased by the mistake; initially insists on sending Anne back but shows a reluctant, rusty smile; begins to soften slightly.

Morning at Green Gables

Finds Anne's talkativeness and imagination both puzzling and intriguing; plans to drive to White Sands to settle Anne's fate.

Anne’s History

Listens to Anne's story, feels pity stirring in her heart, and begins to consider keeping Anne.

Marilla Makes Up Her Mind

Struggles with the decision but ultimately chooses to keep Anne, moved by compassion.

Anne Says Her Prayers

Struggles with Anne's lack of religious training and untidiness, but shows a glimmer of humor and adaptability as she decides to teach Anne proper prayers and send her to Sunday school.

Anne’s Bringing-Up Is Begun

Marilla begins Anne's upbringing with firm discipline, assigning chores and the Lord's Prayer, while showing a practical and no-nonsense attitude toward imagination.

Mrs. Rachel Lynde Is Properly Horrified

Defends Anne's feelings to Mrs. Lynde despite her own dismay, and struggles with how to discipline Anne, ultimately insisting on an apology.

Anne's Apology

Marilla is firm in her decision to keep Anne confined until she apologizes, but she feels a growing maternal warmth toward Anne.

XI: Anne's Impressions of Sunday-School

Marilla prepares Anne's plain dresses and instructs her on Sunday school behavior, later listening to Anne's critical observations with a mix of reproval and secret agreement.

XII: A Solemn Vow and Promise

Scolds Anne for the flower-trimmed hat incident but takes her to meet Diana, showing growing fondness for Anne.

XIII: The Delights of Anticipation

Scolds Anne for disobedience but secretly feels a thrill of sweetness at Anne's impulsive kiss; agrees to bake a basket for the picnic.

XIV: Anne's Confession

Struggles with anger and disappointment over Anne's actions, but also reflects on her own responsibility and Anne's potential for goodness.

XV: A Tempest in the School Teapot

Dismisses Anne's claims of insult as 'fiddlesticks' but recognizes Anne's stubbornness and plans to consult Mrs. Lynde.

Diana Is Invited to Tea with Tragic Results

Marilla allows Anne to invite Diana for tea and later shows a rare moment of tenderness when she finds Anne asleep in tears.

A New Interest in Life

Conceals her delight at Anne's decision to return to school; offers unsympathetic but practical advice.

Anne to the Rescue

Attends the political rally in Charlottetown with Mrs. Lynde; leaves Anne and Matthew to keep house.

XIX: A Concert, a Catastrophe, and a Confession

Reluctantly allows Anne to go to the concert after Matthew's insistence; disapproves of the plan.

A Good Imagination Gone Wrong

Suffers a headache, is sarcastic about Anne's mistakes, and firmly insists Anne walk through the Haunted Wood to cure her of imagining ghosts.

A New Departure in Flavourings

Marilla scolds Anne for the cake mistake and later plans to host the minister and his wife for tea.

Anne Is Invited Out to Tea

Marilla tries to temper Anne's excitement with practical advice, but is quietly pleased with Anne's happiness and behavior.

Anne Comes to Grief in an Affair of Honour

Experiences a revelation of her deep love for Anne when she sees her injured; scolds Anne but shows underlying care.

Miss Stacy and Her Pupils Get Up a Concert

Disapproves of the concert, considering it foolishness and a distraction from lessons. She expresses her concerns to Anne.

Matthew Insists on Puffed Sleeves

Initially disapproves of the new dress as unnecessary and extravagant, but tolerates Matthew's gift.

The Story Club Is Formed

Anne tells Marilla about the story club; Marilla dismisses Anne's story as 'stuff and nonsense' and reminds Anne to do her chores.

Vanity and Vexation of Spirit

Returns from Aid meeting, disappointed and irritated by Anne's neglect of duties, but later shows concern and affection.

An Unfortunate Lily Maid

Scolds Anne for the incident but listens to Anne's reflections on learning from mistakes.

An Epoch in Anne's Life

Marilla allows Anne to go, prepares a special supper, and admits she missed Anne.

The Queen's Class Is Organized

Reflects on her deep but undemonstrative love for Anne, worries about being too indulgent, and learns of Miss Stacy's visit and the Queen's class.

Where the Brook and River Meet

Marilla is frightened by the doctor's advice and ensures Anne stays outdoors; she also shares a moment of grief about Anne growing up.

The Pass List Is Out

Tries to hide her pride in Anne from Mrs. Lynde but is clearly pleased.

The Hotel Concert

Resignedly allows changes to Anne's room; expresses concern about propriety of the event.

A Queen's Girl

Marilla gives Anne a green dress, expresses sadness at Anne's departure, and later weeps privately after Anne leaves.

The Glory and the Dream

Worried about Matthew's health and her own eye pain; discusses the Abbey Bank's instability.

XXXVII: The Reaper Whose Name Is Death

Devastated by Matthew's death, she breaks her usual reserve to express her love for Anne.

The Bend in the Road

Struggles with the prospect of selling Green Gables due to failing eyesight; is moved by Anne's sacrifice and becomes more mellow.