# Marilla Cuthbert — Anne of Green Gables character guide > Marilla Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Marilla, Miss Cuthbert, Aunt Marilla, Marilla Cuthbert, Cuthbert **First appearance:** 0000-i-mrs-rachel-lynde-is-surprised ## Snapshot A practical, duty-bound woman who meant to adopt a boy to help with chores and instead keeps a girl who talks too much and sees too much. ## Who they are Marilla runs Green Gables with scrubbed floors and unsentimental judgments, and she has decided against keeping Anne before she has even met her. But she does not know how to talk to a child, and her awkwardness comes out as curtness, which Anne keeps mistaking for cruelty and then forgiving. Her slow, unspoken softening is the quiet engine of the book's early chapters. ## Relationships ### [Anne Shirley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/anne_shirley) _family_ Anne and Marilla develop a deep mother-daughter bond, with Marilla initially stern but growing to love Anne as her own child. ### [Matthew Cuthbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/matthew_cuthbert) _family_ 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/diana_barry) _social_ Diana is a respectful neighbor and Anne's friend, with Marilla approving of their friendship despite occasional mischief. ### [Gilbert Blythe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/gilbert_blythe) _social_ Marilla views Gilbert as a respectable, hardworking boy and approves of his academic rivalry with Anne. ### [Josie Pye](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/josie_pye) _social_ Marilla knows Josie as a troublesome girl from the village and disapproves of her mean behavior toward Anne. ### [Mr. Phillips](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/mr_phillips) _professional_ Marilla interacts with Mr. Phillips as a parent figure regarding Anne's schooling, often critical of his teaching methods. ### [Anne Shirley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/anne_shirley) _family_ Anne and Marilla develop a deep mother-daughter bond, with Marilla initially stern but growing to love Anne as her own child. ### [Anne Shirley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/anne_shirley) _family_ Anne and Marilla develop a deep mother-daughter bond, with Marilla initially stern but growing to love Anne as her own child. ### [Matthew Cuthbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/matthew_cuthbert) _family_ 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/diana_barry) _social_ Diana is a respectful neighbor and Anne's friend, with Marilla approving of their friendship despite occasional mischief. ### [Matthew Cuthbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/matthew_cuthbert) _family_ 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/diana_barry) _social_ Diana is a respectful neighbor and Anne's friend, with Marilla approving of their friendship despite occasional mischief. ## In the story ### [Mrs. Rachel Lynde Is Surprised](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/iv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/v-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/vi-marilla-makes-up-her-mind) Struggles with the decision but ultimately chooses to keep Anne, moved by compassion. ### [Anne Says Her Prayers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/vii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/viii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/ix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/x-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xx-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxiii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxviii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxx-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxii-the-pass-list-is-out) Tries to hide her pride in Anne from Mrs. Lynde but is clearly pleased. ### [The Hotel Concert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxiii-the-hotel-concert) Resignedly allows changes to Anne's room; expresses concern about propriety of the event. ### [A Queen's Girl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxviii-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. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/marilla_cuthbert - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters