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Little Women
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Character List
Josephine March -
The protagonist of the novel, and the second-oldest
March sister. Jo, who wants to be a writer, is based on Louisa May
Alcott herself, which makes the story semi-autobiographical. Jo
has a temper and a quick tongue, although she works hard to control
both. She is a tomboy, and reacts with impatience to the many limitations
placed on women and girls. She hates romance in her real life, and
wants nothing more than to hold her family together.
Meg March -
The
oldest March sister. Responsible and kind, Meg mothers her younger
sisters. She has a small weakness for luxury and leisure, but the
greater part of her is gentle, loving, and morally vigorous.
Read an in-depth analysis of Meg March.
Beth March -
The
third March daughter. Beth is very quiet and very virtuous, and
she does nothing but try to please others. She adores music and
plays the piano very well.
Read an in-depth analysis of Beth March.
Amy March -
The
youngest March girl. Amy is an artist who adores visual beauty and
has a weakness for pretty possessions. She is given to pouting,
fits of temper, and vanity; but she does attempt to improve herself.
Read an in-depth analysis of Amy March.
Laurie Laurence -
The rich boy who lives next door to the Marches.
Laurie, whose real name is Theodore Laurence, becomes like a son
and brother to the Marches. He is charming, clever, and has a good
heart.
Marmee -
The
March girls’ mother. Marmee is the moral role model for her girls.
She counsels them through all of their problems and works hard but
happily while her husband is at war.
Mr. March -
The
March girls’ father and Marmee’s husband. He serves in the Union
army as a chaplain. When he returns home, he continues acting as
a minister to a nearby parish.
Frederick Bhaer -
A respected professor in Germany who becomes an
impoverished language instructor in America. Mr. Bhaer lives in
New York, where he meets Jo. He is kind and fatherly.
Mr. Laurence -
Laurie’s
grandfather and the Marches’ next-door neighbor. Mr. Laurence seems
gruff, but he is loving and kind.
Aunt March -
A
rich widow and one of the March girls’ aunts. Although crotchety
and difficult, Aunt March loves her nieces and wants the best for
them.
Kate Vaughn -
One
of Laurie’s British friends. At first, Kate turns up her nose at
the bluntness and poverty of the Marches. She later decides that
she likes them, however, showing that she is able to overcome her initial
prejudice.
Sallie Gardiner -
Meg’s rich friend. Sallie represents the good life to
Meg, and Meg often covets Sallie’s possessions.
Aunt Carrol -
One
of the March girls’ aunts. Aunt Carrol is ladylike, and she takes
Amy with her to Europe.
Fred Vaughn -
One
of the Vaughn siblings. Fred is Laurie’s friend, but he soon develops
a romantic interest in Amy.
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