Anne of the Island · Character

Diana Barry

Anne's bosom friend from Avonlea, whose fierce loyalty and unselfish admiration survive marriage, distance, and every rejected manuscript.

supporting

Also known as Diana, Diana Barry, unreasonable Diana, the indignant Diana, Di

First appearance: Anne of the Island

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

Anne's childhood friend, remains in Avonlea.

In the storyAnne of the IslandOpen this moment free

Diana is the first to celebrate Anne's stories and the first to rage on her behalf when editors send them back, vowing to cancel her subscription to the Canadian Woman in protest. She marries Fred and settles into Avonlea domesticity, but remains Anne's confidante, privy to letters and secrets Anne shares with no one else. Her steady, unjealous affection is the baseline against which Anne measures the newer, more complicated attachments of college life.

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Character Web

41 connections

A slice of how Diana Barry sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Romantic interests and friends
Household and imaginative figures
Extended cast and background characters
Protagonist

+36 more in the full Character Web

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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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Relationships

Anne Shirley
friendship · positive
Anne and Diana remain devoted childhood friends, though their paths diverge as Diana… How this plays out →
Anne Shirley
friendship · positive
Anne and Diana remain devoted childhood friends, though their paths diverge as Diana… How this plays out →
Anne Shirley
friendship · positive
Anne and Diana remain devoted childhood friends, though their paths diverge as Diana… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Diana Barry in Anne of the Island

In the story

Diana Barry appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Anne of the Island
Anne's childhood friend, remains in Avonlea.
The Shadow of Change
Shares a wistful conversation with Anne about growing up and the changes ahead, while showing her engagement ring.
II: Garlands of Autumn
Attends the farewell party, rosy and dimpled, shadowed by Fred.
Greeting and Farewell
Drives Anne to the station and says a hurried farewell.
Letters from Home
Diana writes a newsy, delightful letter to Anne, filled with Avonlea gossip and mentions of Fred.
Home Again
Meets Anne at Carmody station and drives her home, stays overnight for confidences.
The Round of Life
Accompanies Anne to visit Ruby; shares Anne's sorrow over Ruby's condition; discusses Anne's writing ambitions.
XII: “Averil’s Atonement”
Supports Anne’s writing, offers enthusiastic feedback, and names the character Robert Ray.
XIV: The Summons
Walks home with Anne after Ruby's death, discusses the funeral and mortality.
XV: A Dream Turned Upside Down
Diana secretly submitted Anne's story and added baking powder references, believing she was giving Anne a delightful surprise.
Miss Josephine Remembers the Anne-Girl
Imprisoned at home with bronchitis during the holidays, unable to visit Anne.
Paul Cannot Find the Rock People
Diana is mentioned as walking home with Fred Wright, and she receives letters from Gilbert but does not share them with Anne.
A June Evening
Mentioned as being about to marry Fred Wright; her wedding is a central topic of the chapter.
Diana's Wedding
The bride, nervous but composed, marries Fred Wright and leaves for her new home.
Deals with Weddings
Now a mother to baby Fred; Anne visits her and feels a sense of distance from her old friend.

Chapter companion notes

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See Diana Barry in Anne of the Island