by Marilla Mulwane

Created on: December 22, 2011   Last Updated: December 26, 2011

"Anne of Green Gables," the first book in the series by L.M. Montgomery, tells the story of an orphan girl and the new life she finds on the beaches of Prince Edward Island. The story and the characters became a favorite for many children and continue to be read by people even after all these years. The series has spawned several movies, and many of the L.M. Montgomery stories have become movies or TV shows that take place on Prince Edward Island. The popularity comes from the simple, feel-good story, but mostly because of the interesting characters. There are several popular characters in "Anne of Green Gables," and each of them is very different. 

Anne Shirley

Anne, with an 'e', loves to talk. In fact, she talks nonstop throughout most of the movie, and while some people would find it annoying, it is actually quite amusing. She loves to read and knows many books by heart, reciting them whenever she feels like it. Anne is very melodramatic, like the heroine in a soap opera or Gothic mystery. While she has an in-your-face attitude, Anne is kind and caring to those she respects, but they have to earn that respect first.

Marilla Cuthbert

Marilla is a hard woman. She worked hard all her life, and expected the same of everyone else. Although she seems cold, she has a caring and loving heart, and will always do the right thing. She might not show affection outwardly very often, but she does right for Anne her entire life. A perfect example is when her brother, Matthew, shows up at the house with Anne in tow. They wanted to adopt a boy to help do chores, and had red-haired, scrawny Anne instead. Marilla took her in anyway, let her stay and loved her like her own child. They never did get that boy.

Gilbert Blythe

Gilbert is a town boy who teases Anne every chance he gets just because she reacts so dramatically to the teasing. He eventually falls in love with her, although it takes her much longer to reciprocate. Despite teenage teasing, they do become great friends as they get older. At first, he seems a little lost, but eventually finds his way in life and learns how much he wants to help others. He thanks Anne for that.

Matthew Cuthbert

Matthew is Marilla's brother, and does most of the hard labor around the house, in the barn and in the fields. He is quiet, and the complete opposite of Anne. He prefers to do his work and not discuss much with anyone. Despite the differences between him and Anne, the two form a father/daughter bond

Rachel Lynde

Rachel is Matthew and Marilla's neighbor. She is a gossip, and has an opinion about everyone in town. Her words are very blunt, and that is something that Anne does not take well to when they first meet. While they clash at first, they become good friends over time,

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