Do you find yourself getting lost in the rich world of “Anne with an E” characters? Many fans struggle to keep track of all the people in Avonlea and how they connect to Anne’s journey.
The show brings Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved novel to life with complex characters who each have their own special story.
The Netflix series stars Amybeth McNulty as Anne Shirley-Cuthbert, a bright and imaginative orphan who finds a home with the Cuthbert siblings. This isn’t just a simple retelling of a classic tale.
It digs deeper into the lives of everyone in Avonlea, from Diana Barry to Gilbert Blythe to Sebastian “Bash” Lacroix. Our guide will walk you through each character’s traits, growth, and impact on Anne’s life.
Ready for a trip to Green Gables?
Key Takeaways
- Anne Shirley-Cuthbert grows from a lonely orphan to a loved family member at Green Gables with her bright mind and wild imagination.
- The Cuthbert siblings change through raising Anne – Marilla softens from stern to loving, while shy Matthew finds his voice.
- Gilbert Blythe starts as Anne’s rival but becomes her friend and love interest as they push each other to excel.
- The show tackles tough issues like racism through Bash’s story and the harm done to Indigenous children through Ka’Kwet’s residential school experience.
- Side characters like Diana Barry, Rachel Lynde, and Aunt Josephine add depth to Avonlea and help explore themes of friendship, gender roles, and LGBTQ+ representation.
Anne Shirley-Cuthbert: Key Traits and Relationships
Anne Shirley-Cuthbert bursts into Avonlea with her fiery red hair, vivid imagination, and fierce spirit that changes everyone around her. Her journey from unwanted orphan to beloved daughter shows her growth through friendships, heartbreaks, and the search for her true identity in a world that often misunderstands her.
What are Anne Shirley-Cuthbert’s defining character traits and personal journey?
Anne Shirley-Cuthbert stands out with her bright mind and wild imagination. This thirteen-year-old orphan finds joy in the smallest things despite her hard past. She talks a lot and uses big words to express her deep thoughts.
Her red hair and freckles make her unique, though she often wishes she looked different. Anne creates magic through her stories and sees beauty where others miss it. She fights hard to find her place at Green Gables after the Cuthberts take her in by mistake.
Her journey shows how she grows from a lonely orphan to a loved family member. At first, many people in Avonlea reject her because she seems too different and talks too much. But Anne slowly wins hearts with her kind spirit and smart mind.
She makes true friends like Diana Barry and even connects with Gilbert Blythe after a rocky start. The TV series “Anne with an E” follows her path as she faces hard times, learns important lessons, and creates a real home with the Cuthbert siblings.
Her story is about finding love and being accepted for who you truly are.
How does Anne’s relationship with other characters develop?
Anne’s relationships grow in deep and moving ways throughout the series. At first, she must win over Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who expect a boy but get a chatty, red-headed girl instead.
Anne forms a fast bond with Matthew, who loves her right away. Marilla takes longer to warm up, but soon becomes a true mother figure. Diana Barry becomes Anne’s “bosom friend” and stays loyal even when their families clash.
With Gilbert Blythe, Anne moves from anger after he calls her “Carrots” to respect and later romance as they both mature.
Anne also builds ties with many Avonlea folks who start out judging her. She wins over stern Rachel Lynde with her honest heart. At school, she faces mean girls like Josie Pye but finds friends in Ruby Gillis and Jane Andrews.
Anne forms a special link with Diana’s great-aunt Josephine Barry, who sees Anne’s bright spirit. Later, she connects with Ka’Kwet, showing her care for those facing unfair treatment.
Through all these bonds, Anne learns about love, trust, and standing up for what’s right.
The Cuthbert Family: Roles and Influence
The Cuthbert family forms the heart of Anne’s world, giving her the love and stability she craves. Marilla and Matthew each play key roles in shaping Anne’s character through their unique parenting styles and personal growth.
What is Marilla Cuthbert’s role and character development?
Marilla Cuthbert starts as a stern, practical woman who takes in Anne by mistake instead of a boy to help with farm work. She shows little emotion at first and tries to follow strict rules for raising Anne.
Her hard shell begins to crack as Anne’s spirit and imagination touch her heart. Marilla grows from a rigid caretaker into a loving mother figure who learns to express her feelings.
Throughout the series, Marilla faces her own past hurts and regrets while raising Anne at Green Gables. She becomes more open-minded about Anne’s creative nature and starts to defend her against town gossip.
Her journey shows how love can change someone at any age. Marilla’s relationship with Anne helps her heal old wounds and find joy in life again, proving that family bonds can form in unexpected ways.
How does Matthew Cuthbert influence Anne and what is his story arc?
Matthew Cuthbert plays a key role in Anne’s life at Green Gables. From the start, he shows her kindness that she rarely felt as an orphan. Unlike his sister Marilla, Matthew accepts Anne right away, quirks and all.
He gives her pretty dresses and treats that bring joy to her life. His quiet support helps Anne feel safe and loved for the first time. Through their bond, Anne learns about unconditional love and finds the father figure she never had.
Matthew’s story arc shows a shy man who grows through his love for Anne. Before she arrives, he lives a simple farm life with his sister. Anne’s bright spirit brings color to his world and pulls him out of his shell.
He stands up for Anne against others who judge her, showing courage he didn’t know he had. Matthew sees the special spark in Anne that others miss. His character teaches viewers about the power of gentle strength and how love can change a person’s life completely.
Who is Diana Barry and How Does She Grow Throughout the Series?
Diana Barry stands as Anne’s best friend and “kindred spirit” in Avonlea. With her dark hair and sweet nature, Diana brings stability to Anne’s wild imagination. Their friendship starts when they meet at Green Gables, quickly becoming what Anne calls “bosom friends.” Diana grows from a shy, rule-following girl into a young woman who questions her family’s strict values.
Her growth shows most clearly when she stands up to her mother about staying friends with Anne, despite Mrs. Barry’s disapproval. Through the series, Diana faces tough choices about her future, torn between her wealthy family’s plans and her own dreams.
Her character arc explores class differences in Avonlea society and the limits placed on girls in that time. Diana’s relationship with her great-aunt Josephine also helps her see different life paths than the one her parents expect.
How Does Gilbert Blythe’s Character Evolve and Connect with Anne?
Gilbert Blythe starts as Anne’s rival in school before growing into her friend and more. At first, he pulls Anne’s red hair and calls her “Carrots,” which makes her very angry. This mistake costs him, as Anne breaks her slate over his head and refuses to speak to him for a long time.
But Gilbert shows his true colors through kind acts and smart choices. He gives up his teaching job so Anne can stay in Avonlea with Marilla. He also stands up for Anne when others mock her wild stories or red hair.
His actions prove he sees past her looks to her bright mind and big heart.
Their bond grows stronger as both face hard times. Gilbert loses his dad and must grow up fast, while Anne fights for respect as an orphan. They push each other to do better in school and life.
Gilbert’s dream to become a doctor shows his caring nature, much like Anne’s wish to be a teacher. The two share deep talks about books, dreams, and the future. Their story shows how first impressions can be wrong, and how two people can grow from rivals to friends.
Their connection becomes one of the most important parts of the coming-of-age story in Anne with an E.
Avonlea Schoolhouse Characters and Their Dynamics
The Avonlea schoolhouse buzzes with colorful personalities who shape Anne’s school days, from Josie Pye’s mean-girl antics to Ruby’s sweet crush on Gilbert, creating a rich tapestry of childhood friendships, rivalries, and growth that mirrors real-life school experiences.
What roles do Josie Pye and Ruby Gillis play in Anne’s life?
Josie Pye serves as Anne’s main rival at Avonlea school. She often makes mean comments about Anne’s red hair and orphan status. Josie comes from a wealthy family and thinks she’s better than others.
Her snobby attitude pushes Anne to stand up for herself and grow stronger. Their tense relationship shows how Anne deals with bullies and social pressure.
Ruby Gillis brings a different dynamic as the romantic dreamer of Anne’s friend group. She has a long-time crush on Gilbert Blythe, which creates some awkward moments for Anne. Ruby helps show the normal teen issues that even orphans like Anne face.
Through their friendship, Anne learns about loyalty and the value of female bonds. Both Josie and Ruby play key roles in Anne’s journey to find acceptance in her new community.
Who is Jane Andrews and what is her relationship with Anne?
Jane Andrews is one of Anne’s classmates at the Avonlea schoolhouse. She forms part of Anne’s circle of friends along with Diana Barry and Ruby Gillis. Jane has a quiet, steady personality that balances the more dramatic characters in the group.
Unlike Josie Pye who often clashes with Anne, Jane shows kindness and loyalty to her red-headed friend. Their bond grows through shared school experiences and social gatherings in Avonlea.
Jane comes from the Andrews family, which has its own place in the small community’s social structure.
The friendship between Jane and Anne adds depth to Anne’s journey of finding acceptance. While not as close as Anne’s “kindred spirit” relationship with Diana, Jane provides Anne with another ally in her quest to belong.
Their connection helps Anne build her sense of community after years of loneliness in orphanages. Jane appears in many key school scenes and social events that mark Anne’s growth from outsider to valued member of Avonlea society.
Through Jane, viewers see how Anne’s unique personality touches even the more reserved characters in her world.
What Is Josephine Barry’s Role and Relationship with Anne?
Josephine Barry, Diana’s wealthy great-aunt, plays a key role in Anne’s life as a mentor and friend. She first meets Anne during a visit to Diana’s home, where Anne’s imagination and spirit quickly win her over.
Their bond grows stronger after Anne helps Josephine through her grief over losing her longtime companion. Josephine opens Anne’s world to art, literature, and progressive ideas not found in small-town Avonlea.
She hosts Anne at her lavish home in Charlottetown, introducing her to a community of artists and free thinkers.
Josephine becomes a vital supporter of Anne’s dreams and ambitions. She offers Anne both emotional and practical support throughout the series. Their relationship shows how connections can form across age gaps and social classes.
For Anne Shirley-Cuthbert, Josephine represents what’s possible beyond Green Gables, giving her a glimpse into a world where her creativity and unique spirit are celebrated rather than just tolerated.
Who Is Sebastian “Bash” Lacroix and Why Is He Important?
Sebastian “Bash” Lacroix brings important diversity to Anne with an E as Gilbert’s close friend. He meets Gilbert while working on a steamship, and their friendship changes Gilbert’s life forever.
Bash comes from Trinidad and faces many challenges in the mostly white community of Avonlea. His story shows the real struggles of Black people during that time period.
Bash grows from a ship worker to a family man who helps run the Blythe farm. His marriage, fatherhood, and hard work add rich layers to the show’s storytelling. Through Bash, the series explores themes of racism, acceptance, and found family.
His bond with Gilbert creates one of the most heartfelt relationships in the series, showing how true friendship can cross all barriers.
How Does Ka’Kwet Represent Indigenous Culture and What Is Her Story?
Ka’Kwet brings vital Indigenous representation to “Anne with an E,” showing viewers the rich Mi’kmaq culture through her bright spirit and painful struggles. She becomes friends with Anne, who loves learning about her customs and language.
Their friendship helps viewers see the beauty of Indigenous traditions that were often ignored in other adaptations. Ka’Kwet’s story takes a dark turn when she is forced into a residential school, where teachers try to erase her culture and identity.
This storyline shows the real harm done to Indigenous children who were taken from their families.
Ka’Kwet’s parents fight hard to get her back, showing their deep love and the strength of Indigenous family bonds. The show doesn’t shy away from showing the cruel treatment at these schools or how the government and church worked together to separate Indigenous families.
Through Ka’Kwet, viewers learn about a painful part of history that affected many real children. Her character helps the show tackle serious topics like racism, cultural genocide, and the lasting effects of colonization.
Ka’Kwet’s story adds depth to the series and honors the experiences of Indigenous peoples whose voices were silenced for too long.
Recurring and Guest Characters in Avonlea
Avonlea brims with colorful side characters like the gossipy Rachel Lynde, strict Mr. Phillips, and kind Miss Stacy who each add depth to Anne’s world and help shape her growth through their unique personalities and life lessons.
Who is Rachel Lynde and what roles do other Avonlea residents play?
Rachel Lynde stands as Avonlea’s most talkative resident and Marilla’s closest friend. She often judges Anne harshly but grows to love her unique spirit over time. Rachel represents the traditional values of small-town life, always ready with opinions about everyone’s business.
Other Avonlea residents create a rich community around Anne’s story. Miss Stacy breaks barriers as a female teacher who encourages Anne’s academic dreams. Mr. Phillips, the strict first teacher, shows the old teaching methods that Anne rebels against.
The Avonlea townsfolk, from shopkeepers to church members, help paint a complete picture of rural life in Prince Edward Island where Anne finds her home.
What Themes Are Explored Through the Characters?
The characters in “Anne with an E” tackle tough issues like gender roles, racism, and identity through their personal journeys. The show doesn’t shy away from showing real struggles, making each character’s growth feel important and true to life.
How do friendship, family, societal challenges, and LGBTQ+ themes appear in the series?
Anne with an E weaves deep themes into its story that go beyond the original book. The show tackles real issues through its rich cast of characters while staying true to Anne’s journey of finding love and acceptance.
- Friendship bonds form the heart of the series, most clearly seen in Anne and Diana’s “bosom friend” relationship that grows despite class differences.
- Family takes many forms in the show, from the Cuthberts learning to be parents to Anne to Bash creating a new family far from his homeland.
- Gilbert and Anne’s relationship evolves from rivalry to respect to romance, showing how friendship can deepen over time through shared experiences.
- The series doesn’t shy away from racism, as shown through Bash’s struggles as a Black man in the mostly white Avonlea community.
- Gender roles get challenged constantly by Anne, who questions why girls can’t have the same dreams and chances as boys.
- LGBTQ+ themes appear through Aunt Josephine Barry, who openly mourns her female partner Gertrude and hosts gatherings for the “odd” folks who don’t fit social norms.
- Indigenous stories come to light through Ka’Kwet, whose painful experiences at residential school expose the harsh treatment of First Nations people.
- Class divisions create tension throughout Avonlea, with the wealthy looking down on those with less money or different backgrounds.
- Bullying impacts many characters, especially Anne who faces cruel comments about her red hair, orphan status, and unique personality.
- Personal growth happens for all characters as they face and often overcome the limits society tries to place on them.
Takeaways
The world of “Anne with an E” brings rich characters who grow and change throughout the series. From Anne’s fiery spirit to Gilbert’s kind heart, each person adds color to the story.
We see tough issues like racism, identity, and belonging through their eyes. The show takes us beyond the classic novel to explore deeper themes that still matter today. These characters teach us about love, friendship, and standing up for what’s right in ways that touch our hearts.
To explore more about how LGBTQ+ themes are woven into the fabric of “Anne with an E,” click here.
FAQs
1. Who are the main characters in “Anne with an E”?
The main characters include Anne Shirley, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, Gilbert Blythe, and Diana Barry. Anne is the red-headed orphan girl with a big imagination who comes to live at Green Gables. The Cuthberts become her guardians, while Diana is her best friend and Gilbert becomes her rival and later friend.
2. How does the show differ from the original books?
The show takes a darker, more realistic approach to the story than L.M. Montgomery’s books. It adds new storylines about social issues like racism, feminism, and child abuse. The TV version also gives more depth to side characters and creates new ones not found in the original stories.
3. What makes Anne Shirley such a beloved character?
Anne’s wild imagination and love of big words make her special to viewers. She faces hard times but stays hopeful and kind. Her growth from a scared orphan to a confident young woman shows how strong she is, and many people connect with her search for family and belonging.
4. Where is “Anne with an E” set?
“Anne with an E” is set in the late 1800s on Prince Edward Island, Canada. Most of the story happens in the small town of Avonlea and at Green Gables farm. The beautiful island scenery, with its red dirt roads and green fields, becomes almost like another character in the show.
