# Who is Anne Shirley?

> Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

## Answer

Anne Shirley is the red-haired orphan sent by mistake to Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, who expected a boy to help on the farm. She talks constantly, renames places with poetry, and fights for belonging in Avonlea. Her history — foster homes, Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Hammond — explains fierce attachment to Green Gables once she is allowed to stay.

Anne is heroine and handful: she smashes a slate on Gilbert Blythe’s head, dyes her hair green, and saves Minnie May with Marilla’s help. Montgomery makes her talented and flawed so growth feels earned. An answer that lists only “imaginative girl” should add stakes — without Green Gables she has nowhere. Point readers to the Cuthberts’ surprise chapters and Anne’s apology to Rachel Lynde as the arc’s foundation.

## Evidence

- [ii-matthew-cuthbert-is-surprised](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/ii-matthew-cuthbert-is-surprised.md): Matthew meets Anne at the station.
- [iii-marilla-cuthbert-is-surprised](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/iii-marilla-cuthbert-is-surprised.md): Marilla learns the orphan is a girl.

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