Anne of Green Gables Summary: Plot, Characters and Ending
Anne of Green Gables follows Anne Shirley, a talkative, imaginative red-haired orphan sent by mistake to an elderly brother and sister on Prince Edward Island who wanted a boy to help on the farm. She wins them over, makes a best friend, battles a rival at school and grows up.
It is the first of L. M. Montgomery's eight books about Anne.
| Character | Who they are |
|---|---|
| Anne Shirley | Imaginative eleven-year-old orphan |
| Matthew Cuthbert | Shy, gentle farmer |
| Marilla Cuthbert | Matthew's stern sister |
| Diana Barry | Anne's best friend |
| Gilbert Blythe | Classmate and rival |
| Rachel Lynde | Nosy neighbor |
| Miss Stacy | Inspiring teacher |
How does Anne come to Green Gables?
Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert ask for a boy from an orphanage. Matthew finds a girl waiting at the station instead and is too shy to say so. On the drive home Anne chatters about everything, renaming the lanes and lakes. Marilla means to send her back, but sees how cruel her other choice would be, and keeps her.
↑ Back to the topWhat trouble does Anne get into?
Anne finds a kindred spirit in Diana Barry. She also lands in endless scrapes. She flies into a rage when Rachel Lynde calls her homely and red-haired. She accidentally gets Diana drunk on currant wine she mistakes for cordial, and Mrs. Barry forbids the friendship, until Anne saves Diana's little sister from croup. She dyes her hair green trying to make it black, and acts out a poem in a leaking boat, which sinks.
↑ Back to the topWhat happens with Gilbert Blythe?
On her first day at school, Gilbert calls her Carrots, and Anne breaks her slate over his head. She refuses to forgive him for years, even when he rescues her from the sinking boat. They become fierce rivals for first place in class.
↑ Back to the topWhat happens at Queen's Academy?
Under the teacher Miss Stacy, Anne studies for the entrance exam to Queen's Academy in Charlottetown and ties with Gilbert for first place. At Queen's she wins the Avery Scholarship to go on to university. Marilla and Matthew are deeply proud of her.
↑ Back to the topHow does Anne of Green Gables end?
Matthew dies of a heart attack after learning the bank holding their savings has failed. Marilla's eyesight is failing, and she plans to sell Green Gables. Anne gives up her scholarship to stay with her and teach nearby. Gilbert, who was to teach in Avonlea, gives the post to Anne so she can live at home. Anne finally thanks him, and they become friends. Even with her path narrowed, she feels her future is full of bends and possibilities.
↑ Back to the topMore about Anne of Green Gables
This summary reveals the whole plot, including the ending.