Anne Shirley

Anne Shirley is the main character of the book and has red hair, freckles, bright gray eyes, and a slight body. At 18, she is leaving home to attend college in Kingsport. Anne is excited and sad to be leaving Avonlea for Redmond. The older women of Avonlea think the only reason she is leaving is to find a husband. The women also feel that she should not try to be so "fancy" and just marry her old friend Gilbert Blythe, but Anne is determined to learn about herself and her purpose in the greater scheme of things while continuing to enrich her mind.

Anne proves she is an extremely loving and loyal friend. Her best friend, Diana Berry, stays at home to be with her fiancée while Anne heads to college. During her breaks from college, Anne makes sure she comes home to visit her family...