Anne of the Island · Character

Davy Keith

Marilla's adopted son, a boy who would rather be bad and sorry than good and bored, and who asks Anne the questions nobody else dares.

supporting

Also known as Davy, Davy - boy, wretched Davy, poor Davy, Davy Keith, David Keith

First appearance: anne of the island

As a supporting figure in Anne of the Island, Davy Keith is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Cries not because Dora fell but because he missed seeing it; shows his mischievous and candid nature.

In the storyThe Shadow of ChangeOpen this moment free

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Davy lives at Green Gables with his twin sister Dora, forever fishing, chasing cats, and demanding to know whether an echo is a nymph or a whopper. He announces he is engaged to Stella Fletcher and worries about her fate should he die young, to Marilla's severe displeasure. His mischief keeps Avonlea comic and grounded while Anne is away at college, and his blunt questions about truth and consequences echo the moral weather of the whole book.

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See Davy Keith in anne of the island

Character Web

5 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended cast and background characters
Green Gables and Avonlea residents
Protagonist
Romantic interests and friends
Avonlea acquaintances and family

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Anne reaches her emotional and psychological peak here as she confronts the painful aftermath of rejecting Roy…

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In the story

Davy Keith appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Shadow of Change
Cries not because Dora fell but because he missed seeing it; shows his mischievous and candid nature.
Greeting and Farewell
Cries and hides in a closet rather than say goodbye to Anne.
Letters from Home
Davy writes a rambling letter complaining about Marilla's punishments and sharing local gossip.
Home Again
Welcomes Anne with a bonfire and war-whoop, confesses his temptation to say a bad word, and is guided by Anne.
The Way of Transgressors
Rebels against Mrs. Lynde, skips Sunday School, goes fishing, and later confesses his wrongdoings to Anne.
XIV: The Summons
Asks Anne about laughter in heaven and expresses a desire to live to 100.
A Letter from Davy
Author of the letter, sharing his adventures, questions, and composition on the ideal wife.
Miss Josephine Remembers the Anne-Girl
Enjoys shoveling snow and reading adventure stories; makes irreverent comments about the Bible and marriage, and speculates about Anne's future.
Spring and Anne Return to Green Gables
Bursts in excitedly, shows off his missing tooth, and talks about selling it to Milty Boulter and his plans to marry Stella Fletcher.
A June Evening
Complains about his teacher and arithmetic homework; brightens when Anne offers to help.
A Book of Revelation
Proudly announces his growth and bluntly tells Anne that Gilbert Blythe is dying.

Chapter companion notes

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See Davy Keith in anne of the island

See Davy Keith in The Shadow of Change