Anne Shirley (BBC)

Anne Shirley is the orphaned daughter of Walter and Bertha Shirley, the adoptive daughter of Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, a former pupil and teacher of the Avonlea school, and student of Redmond University.

Biography
Anne Shirley was born in Bolingbroke, Nova Scotia, Canada to Walter and Bertha Shirley. Her parents passed away when she was a few days old and was subsequently taken in by the Thomas family. A number of years later, Anne was taken in by Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island, who were expecting a boy to help with the farm. Anne later recounts to Davy Keith that she had felt so unwanted that she planned to run away but was glad that she ultimately did not as she had a happy childhood in Avonlea and, it is also revealed, Matthew filed formal adoption papers for Anne.

After Matthew passed away, Anne became increasingly close to Marilla and gave up her place at Redmond University to stay by Marilla's side while she battled failing eyesight. Anne became a guardian of Davy and Dora Keith when Marilla took in the twins after their mother Mary's death. When the autumn came, Anne began to teach at the Avonlea school. Initially finding it daunting to teach her former classmates, Anne soon found her feet and became a well-respected teacher.

After saving enough money and being reassured by Marilla's improving health, Anne moved away to Kingsport, Nova Scotia to attend Redmond College alongside old friends Jane, Gilbert and Charlie.

Behind the scenes
Portrayal Trivia
 * Kim Braden portrayed Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables (1972) and Anne of Avonlea (1975)

Appearances

 * Anne of Green Gables (1972)
 * Anne of Avonlea (1975)