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.

Read an in-depth analysis of Jo March

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.

Read an in-depth analysis of Laurie Laurence

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.

Mr. Brooke

Laurie’s tutor. Mr. Brooke is poor but virtuous.

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.

Hannah

The Marches’ loyal servant.

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.

Daisy

Meg and Mr. Brooke’s daughter. Daisy is the twin of Demi. Her real name is Margaret.

Demi

Meg and Mr. Brooke’s son and Daisy’s twin. Demi’s real name is John Laurence.

Mrs. Kirke

The woman who runs the New York boarding house where Jo lives.

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.

Florence

Aunt Carrol’s daughter. Florence accompanies her aunt and Amy to Europe.

Fred Vaughn

One of the Vaughn siblings. Fred is Laurie’s friend, but he soon develops a romantic interest in Amy.

Esther

Aunt March’s servant. Esther is a French Catholic.

Annie Moffat

Another wealthy friend of Meg’s. Annie is fashionable and social, and she wears stylish clothing that Meg envies.

Ned Moffat

The older brother of Meg’s friend Annie Moffat.

Frank Vaughn

One of the Vaughn siblings. Frank is sickly.

Grace Vaughn

The youngest sister of the Vaughn family. Grace and Amy become friends on a picnic.

Dr. Bangs

A doctor who tends to Beth when she is ailing.

The Hummels

A family that lives near the Marches. The Hummels are poor and in bad health.

Next section Jo March

Popular pages: Little Women

Take a Study Break