Ruby Gillis

"Ruby was a very handsome young lady, now thinking herself quite as grown up as she really was; she wore her skirts as long as her mother would let her and did her hair up in town, though she had to take it down when she went home. She had large, bright-blue eyes, a brilliant complexion, and a plump showy figure. She laughed a great deal, was cheerful and good-tempered, and enjoyed the pleasant things of life frankly."

- Anne Shirley

Ruby Gillis was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gillis, sister of Susan and several Gillis girls and the friend of Anne Shirley.

Early life
Ruby was born in 1865 in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, to Mr. and Mrs. Gillis. She was raised there along with her sister Susan and several older sisters. Jane Andrews became Ruby's best friend.

School life
Ruby attended Avonlea school in September 1871 along with her best friend Jane, Diana Barry and Josie Pye. Her writing apparently had too much love-making in them, according to Anne.

Studies at Queen's Academy
Ruby joined a special class for students who wanted to become a teacher. She succesfully passed the test and in September 1880 she attended Queen's Academy. Ruby studied there for two years and graduated in June 1882. Her best friend Jane took two years' work in one year.

In September 1882 she got Carmody school and replaced Priscilla Grant in this position.

Death
"Ruby Gillis is dying of galloping consumption."

- Rachel Lynde about Ruby's illness

Ruby wasn't able to teach since she had that attack of congestion in the winter 1883. She said that she wanted to teach in White Sands in the fall and marry with Herb Spencer. Ruby and her family did not want to give up on her, so they went on with their lives as if she was perfectly fine. Sadly, her inevitable death came in August 1884.

Personality
"She laughed a great deal, was cheerful and good-tempered, and enjoyed the pleasant things of life frankly."

- Ruby at Queen's

"Ruby Gillis was a great girl to laugh."

- Davy Keith to Anne Shirley after Ruby's funeral.

Ruby was kind, positive and charming, but "frivolous" and "shallow". She made friends easily, but did not form deep relationships, which she regretted when she neared her early death.

Physical appearance
"She had large, bright-blue eyes, a brilliant complexion, and a plump showy figure. ... Ruby Gillis was the handsomest girl of the year at the Academy."

- Ruby's appearance at Queen's

Ruby had pale skin, silky blonde hair and "bright, beautiful blue eyes". She was a renowned Avonlea beauty and many girls and young women were jealous of her appearance.

Etymology
Ruby is a female given name of English origin and means red gemstone. It was very popular name in late 19th century.

Behind the scenes
Portrayal Trivia
 * Abigail Snarr portrays Ruby in Green Gables Fables (2014-2015), an American web series and the modern adaptation of Anne of Green Gables.
 * Jennifer Inch portrayed Ruby in two films by Kevin Sullivan, Anne of Green Gables (1985) and Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987). Jennifer also appeared in Road to Avonlea as Maid at Stanley Estate and as Sara's mother.
 * Makoto Kousaka replaced Mami Koyama in the voice role of Ruby Gillis in Japanese TV series Akage no An (1979).
 * Mami Koyama was former Ruby's voice actress in Akage no An. Mami also provided the voice of Minnie May Barry.
 * Kim Hardy portrayed her in the 1972 TV series Anne of Green Gables and its sequel, Anne of Avonlea (1975).
 * Lýdia Rišková provided the voice of Ruby in the 1966 radio drama Anna zo Zeleného domu.
 * Janet Reid portrayed Ruby in the 1952 TV series Anne of Green Gables, also starring Carole Lorimer as Anne Shirley.
 * Ruby's death is thematically significant in that she has not lived well in Anne's estimation but she dies well, reaching out to her estranged friends and repairing her damaged relationships. In the end, Ruby's death is pitiable but also brave and honest. One of the core themes of Anne of the Island is Anne's philosophical journey and Ruby's death is important in this context.

Appearances
Book appearances
 * Anne of Green Gables
 * Anne of Avonlea
 * Anne of the Island
 * Anne of Ingleside (mentioned only)

Film appearances TV series appearances Stage appearances Radio drama appearances Web series appearances
 * Anne of Green Gables (1985)
 * Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel (1987)
 * Anne of Green Gables (1952)
 * Anne of Green Gables (1972)
 * Anne of Avonlea (1975)
 * Akage no An (1979)
 * Anne of Green Gables – The Musical (1965)
 * Anna zo Zeleného domu (1966)
 * Green Gables Fables (2014-2015)

Ruby Gillis