# Anne Shirley — Anne of the Island character guide > Anne Shirley in Anne of the Island by L. M. Montgomery. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Anne, Anne Shirley, Miss Shirley, Miss Anne Shirley, Aunt Anne, Queen Anne, VIII Anne, XIV The Summons Anne, little Anne, Poor Anne, Dear Anne, Jane Anne, Jane Ann **First appearance:** 0002-anne-of-the-island ## Snapshot A red-haired dreamer turned Redmond scholar, Anne chases literary fame and a teaching life while her heart quietly reorders its loyalties. ## Who they are Anne arrives at Redmond with her old Avonlea imaginings intact, rooming with new friends and sending stories out to editors who keep sending them back. When her first attempts at fiction are rejected, she buries the manuscript in the garret trunk and swears off writing, though Mr. Harrison's gruff advice lingers. Her deeper struggle is quieter: Gilbert Blythe wants more than the comradeship she clings to, and Anne must decide whether her picture of her own future has room for him. ## Relationships ### [Philippa Gordon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/characters/philippa_gordon) _friendship_ Anne and Philippa share a close, lively friendship at Redmond College, with Philippa's flirtatious nature contrasting Anne's romantic idealism. ### [Gilbert Blythe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/characters/gilbert_blythe) _romantic_ Anne and Gilbert's relationship evolves from rivalry to deep romantic love, culminating in their engagement at the end of the novel. ### [Diana Barry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/characters/diana_barry) _friendship_ Anne and Diana remain devoted childhood friends, though their paths diverge as Diana marries and Anne pursues college. ### [Mrs. Rachel Lynde](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/characters/mrs_rachel_lynde) _social_ Mrs. Rachel Lynde is a nosy but well-meaning neighbor and family friend who often comments on Anne's life and choices. ### [Roy Gardner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/characters/roy_gardner) _romantic_ Roy Gardner is a wealthy, handsome suitor who courts Anne, but she ultimately rejects him due to his lack of intellectual depth. ### [Ruby Gillis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/characters/ruby_gillis) _friendship_ Ruby Gillis is a childhood friend of Anne's, known for her beauty and romantic entanglements, who later dies tragically young. ### [Priscilla Grant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/characters/priscilla_grant) _friendship_ Priscilla Grant is a fellow student at Redmond College and a close friend of Anne, sharing her love of literature and study. ### [Marilla Cuthbert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/characters/marilla_cuthbert) _family_ Marilla Cuthbert is Anne's adoptive mother, providing a stable, loving home and guiding Anne with her practical wisdom. ### [Billy Andrews](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/characters/billy_andrews) _social_ Billy Andrews is a local Avonlea boy who once proposed to Anne, but she rejected him, and they remain distant acquaintances. ### [John Douglas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/characters/john_douglas) _social_ John Douglas is a local farmer and friend of Anne's, whose romantic story with Janet Sweet Anne helps to facilitate. ### [Patty Spofford](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/characters/patty_spofford) _friendship_ Patty Spofford is one of the elderly owners of Patty's Place, where Anne boards, and becomes a warm, eccentric friend. ### [Miss Lavendar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/characters/miss_lavendar) _friendship_ Miss Lavendar is a whimsical, lonely older woman who becomes a dear friend to Anne, who helps reunite her with a lost love. ## In the story ### [Anne of the Island](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/anne-of-the-island) Main protagonist, leaves for Redmond College. ### [The Shadow of Change](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/i-the-shadow-of-change) Contemplates the changes of autumn and her impending departure for Redmond College, feeling both excitement and sorrow. ### [II: Garlands of Autumn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/ii-garlands-of-autumn) Feels disgruntled by neighbors' doubts about college, but enjoys a farewell party and a walk with Gilbert. ### [Greeting and Farewell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/iii-greeting-and-farewell) Leaves Green Gables for Redmond College, experiencing deep homesickness and melancholy. ### [April's Lady](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/iv-april-s-lady) Explores Old St. John's Cemetery with Priscilla, reflects on epitaphs, and feels insignificant at Redmond. ### [Letters from Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/v-letters-from-home) Anne adjusts to college life, excels in English, and treasures letters from home. ### [In the Park](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/vi-in-the-park) Leads the group to the park, reflects on life and sorrow, and is enchanted by Patty's Place. ### [Home Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/vii-home-again) Returns to Green Gables for Christmas, reflecting on the love waiting for her and helping Davy with his moral struggle. ### [Anne’s First Proposal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/viii-anne-s-first-proposal) Receives her first marriage proposal, via proxy from Billy Andrews, and reacts with a mix of amusement and disappointment. ### [An Unwelcome Lover and a Welcome Friend](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/ix-an-unwelcome-lover-and-a-welcome-friend) Thrives at Redmond, studies for Thorburn Scholarship, rejects Charlie Sloane's proposal, and discovers Patty's Place is for rent. ### [Patty's Place](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/x-patty-s-place) Leads the effort to rent Patty's Place, charms Miss Patty with her sincerity, and welcomes Phil into the household. ### [The Round of Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xi-the-round-of-life) Returns to Avonlea with the Thorburn Scholarship; is struck by the changes in the community and especially by Ruby Gillis's illness; confides in Diana her desire to write a story. ### [XII: “Averil’s Atonement”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xii-averil-s-atonement) Writes and revises her story 'Averil’s Atonement', receives rejections, and temporarily abandons literary ambitions. ### [The Way of Transgressors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xiii-the-way-of-transgressors) Returns home late and tired, comforts Davy after his confession, and teaches him about conscience. ### [XIV: The Summons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xiv-the-summons) Visits Ruby Gillis, offers spiritual comfort, and reflects on mortality and the afterlife. ### [XV: A Dream Turned Upside Down](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xv-a-dream-turned-upside-down) Anne is horrified to discover her story won a baking powder prize, feeling her artistic ideals have been betrayed. ### [XVI: Adjusted Relationships](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xvi-adjusted-relationships) Settles into Patty's Place, deals with mixed reactions to her prize story, and reluctantly adopts Rusty the cat. ### [A Letter from Davy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xvii-a-letter-from-davy) Reads Davy's letter aloud to the group, finding amusement in his spelling and observations. ### [Miss Josephine Remembers the Anne-Girl](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xviii-miss-josephine-remembers-the-anne-girl) Returns to Green Gables for Christmas holidays, feeling lonely and conflicted about Gilbert's attention; receives news of Miss Josephine Barry's death and a legacy of a thousand dollars. ### [An Interlude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xix-an-interlude) Curled up on the hearthrug with Rusty, Anne muses on turning twenty and her character's imperfections. ### [Gilbert Speaks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xx-gilbert-speaks) Rejects Gilbert's proposal, mourns the loss of their friendship, and struggles to reconstruct her world without him. ### [Roses of Yesterday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxi-roses-of-yesterday) Visits her birthplace and receives her parents' letters, experiencing a profound emotional connection. ### [Spring and Anne Return to Green Gables](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxii-spring-and-anne-return-to-green-gables) Returns home early from Redmond, bringing Mayflowers and violets, and shares her joy at being back at Green Gables. ### [Paul Cannot Find the Rock People](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxiii-paul-cannot-find-the-rock-people) Anne feels a lonely ache due to Gilbert's absence but refuses to admit it. She enjoys summer visits and reflects on growing up. ### [Enter Jonas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxiv-enter-jonas) The recipient of Phil's letter; Phil addresses her directly and confides in her. ### [Enter Prince Charming](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxv-enter-prince-charming) Anne feels restless and soul-weary, seeks solitude in the park, and meets Royal Gardner in a romantic rainstorm encounter. ### [XXVI: Enter Christine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxvi-enter-christine) Dresses for the reception, receives orchids from Roy, and feels unsettled upon hearing about Gilbert and Christine. ### [XXVII: Mutual Confidences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxvii-mutual-confidences) Reflects on her feelings for Roy Gardner, comparing his romantic sonnets to Gilbert Blythe's humor; admits she supposes she loves Roy. ### [A June Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxviii-a-june-evening) Reflects on the beauty of June, comforts Davy, and feels a heartache over Diana's wedding and the changes it brings. ### [Diana's Wedding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxix-diana-s-wedding) Serves as Diana's bridesmaid, reflects on their friendship and the changes ahead, and walks with Gilbert through Lovers' Lane. ### [Mrs. Skinner's Romance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxx-mrs-skinner-s-romance) Anne arrives at Valley Road station and rides with Mrs. Skinner to her boarding place at Janet Sweet's home. ### [XXXI: Anne to Philippa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxi-anne-to-philippa) Narrator of the letter, teaching at Valley Road and boarding with Janet Sweet. ### [Tea with Mrs. Douglas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxii-tea-with-mrs-douglas) Attends prayer meeting and tea with Mrs. Douglas; observes social dynamics and feels uncomfortable during the visit. ### [XXXIII: “He Just Kept Coming and Coming”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxiii-he-just-kept-coming-and-coming) Comforts Janet, advises her to take a stand, then impulsively intervenes to bring John Douglas back. ### [John Douglas Speaks at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxiv-john-douglas-speaks-at-last) Anne is staying in Valley Road, teaching school and finding life monotonous. She receives a proposal from Sam, laughs it off, and later witnesses John Douglas's proposal to Janet. ### [The Last Redmond Year Opens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxv-the-last-redmond-year-opens) Returns to Patty's Place, reminisces about the Story Club, and finds inspiration in an old sketch. ### [The Gardners’ Call](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxvi-the-gardners-call) Anne receives her first payment for a literary sketch, feels anxious about the Gardner family call, and endures the visit with mixed emotions. ### [Full-Fledged B.A.'s](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxvii-full-fledged-b-a-s) Graduates with High Honours in English, reflects on her Redmond journey, and experiences emotional conflict over Gilbert's rumored engagement. ### [False Dawn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxviii-false-dawn) Refuses Roy's proposal, feels humiliation and relief, and prepares to leave Patty's Place. ### [Deals with Weddings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxix-deals-with-weddings) Feels anticlimax and loneliness after returning to Green Gables; reflects on her broken engagement with Roy and her changing relationships. ### [A Book of Revelation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xl-a-book-of-revelation) Returns from Echo Lodge, learns of Gilbert's illness, and undergoes a profound emotional revelation about her love for him. ### [Love Takes Up the Glass of Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xli-love-takes-up-the-glass-of-time) Anne is preparing for a wedding and conflicted about her feelings for Gilbert, ultimately accepting his proposal in Hester Gray's garden. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/characters/anne_shirley - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/characters