Netflix & CBC’s Anne With An E: Cast, Characters & Descriptions (with Spoilers)
A character guide for Netflix and CBC’s Anne With An E featuring cast members names, character descriptions, storylines, and noteworthy information.
[Unless Said Otherwise] Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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A character guide for Netflix and CBC’s Anne With An E featuring cast members names, character descriptions, storylines, and noteworthy information.
Information is updated as new episodes are released/ watched, and images changed as better ones are captured.
Anne (Amybeth McNulty & Elizabeth Gnidash)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Your Will Shall Decide Your Destiny” [Series Premiere]
When we first meet Anne, she is a 13-year-old girl who for nearly ten years has been without parents, after they died of fever, and has suffered because of it. She was forced to work since she was three and rarely had an opportunity to be a happy child. Yet, despite the bullying, partly due to her hair color and imagination, she has always found a means of escape and protected her ability to be vulnerable, open, smile, and curious.
Additional Information About Anne
- Is very insecure about her size, red hair, and freckles – to the point she believes she is ugly.
- Storytelling, and reading, especially romances, are one of her favorite hobbies, even though she doesn’t see herself finding love.
- Cordellia is the star, if not alter ego, of Anne in her stories.
- Formerly, her name was Ann Shirley instead of Anne Cuthbert.
- At the end of season 2, proclaims she will become a teacher.
- Is nicknamed: Melkita’ulamun by Ka’kwet (The name means A Strong And Brave Heart)
- Learns her parents are dead and from Glennark, Scotland in Season 3, Episode 4.
Marilla Cuthbert (Geraldine James and Cassidy Fox)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Your Will Shall Decide Your Destiny” [Series Premiere]
One half of the last of the Cuthberts, Marilla is Matthews older sister, the middle child of three, and is very traditional in her religious and cultural values.
Additional Information About Marilla
Matthew Cuthbert (R.H. Thomson and Gabriel Grennan)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Your Will Shall Decide Your Destiny” [Series Premiere]
Quiet, sometimes giving the vibe he is shell shocked, Matthew is shy but seems to only be out of fear more than because he likes the quiet. He can definitely be seen as an introvert, and one of the reasons he loves Anne so much is that she livens his life up beyond his normal day to day working the family land.
Additional Information About Matthew
- Stopped going to school soon after his brother died.
- Part of what molds Matthew’s relationship with Anne is how his relationship was with Michael. Someone who encouraged him to participate in life and social occasions despite being terribly shy.
Diana (Dalila Bela)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 2 “I Am No Bird, and No Net Ensnares Me”
Diana is one of Anne’s first friends and, outside of Matthew, one of the few people who, originally, is enchanted by her eccentricity. Though her mother sometimes isn’t, which occasionally forces the two apart.
Additional Information About Diana
- Isn’t the strongest reader, which makes Anne’s ferocious love for reading one of the reasons why she loves her so much.
- Diana is good at math.
- Can trace her family line back to 1303
Jerry (Aymeric Jett Montaz)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 3 “But What Is So Headstrong As Youth”
Jerry is a young man whose large family is too poor to send him to school, so he works, and at times lives, at the Cuthbert house helping Matthew and running errands. Also, he becomes like an unofficial little brother to Anne, who passes on some of what she learns in school to him.
Additional Information About Jerry
- One of the reasons Jerry gets close to Anne is he is close to his sisters, who he usually sleeps with at home.
- Jerry has brothers and sisters, with it appearing, as of season 3, he is a middle child. Also, all of his family sleeps on the floor.
- Is Catholic.
- Can speak, write and read in English but it isn’t clear if he can write and read his native tongue – French.
Mr. Phillips (Stephen Tracey)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 3 “But What Is So Headstrong As Youth”
The school teacher in season 1 and 2, until he resigns, who could be quite curt and cruel to his students due to a superiority complex.
Additional Information About Mr. Phillips
Rachel (Corrine Koslo)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 3 “But What Is So Headstrong As Youth”
The closest thing to a friend Marilla has who is nosy, makes her presence known wherever she is and is a bit thin-skinned.
Additional Information About Rachel
- Has been friends with Marilla since grade school.
- Had 10 children, and buried 2 of them.
- Considers herself to be liberal
- Sits on the town’s executive board, but until episode 8 of season 3, seeming had limited input.
Gilbert (Lucas Jade Zumann)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 3 “But What Is So Headstrong As Youth”
One of the most popular, and well-liked, boys in Anne’s class who she has a friendly rivalry with. A rivalry which blooms into more.
Additional Information About Gilbert
- His family is from Alberta
- He has a fear of needles
- Mother died during childbirth and he was a breech birth.
- Is an avid beekeeper.
Josie Pye (Miranda McKeon)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 3 “But What Is So Headstrong As Youth”
One of Anne’s bullies at school who never miss a chance to ostracize her and point out how different she is.
Additional Information About Josie Pye
- Is raised by her mother to consider beauty as power.
Jeannie (Brenda Bazinet)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 5 “Tightly Knotted to a Similar String”
Matthew’s crush during his youth and a dressmaker.
Additional Information About Jeannie
Michael (Charlie Benger)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 5 “Tightly Knotted to a Similar String”
Matthew and Marilla’s older brother whose death caused them to be unable to pursue their love interest, and life outside the farm, since they were needed full-time at home.
Additional Information About Michael
Ruby (Kyla Matthews)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 4 “An Inward Treasure Born”
Like many of the girls, Ruby wasn’t fond of Anne because of Josie’s influence. However, between Diana and Anne showing herself to not only be a good friend, but reassuring and knowledgeable, they eventually become a trio, Ruby, Diana, and Anne.
Additional Information About Ruby
Eliza Barry (Helen Johns)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “Remorse is the Poison of Life”
Minnie May and Diana’s mother, who is traditional, like Marilla, but with her being a bit higher up on the social ladder, her expectations for her girls differ from Marilla’s with Anne. Which she makes clear to Diana as she pushes her to follow her footsteps.
Additional Information About Eliza Barry
John Blythe (Wayne Best)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “Remorse is the Poison of Life”
Gilbert’s father who is bedridden for most of the time we know him, but in his youth was Marilla’s admirer who she cared for very much. He even proposed to her but was sadly rejected.
Additional Information About John
- Before he left the area, as a young man, John asked Marilla to join him, but between Michael’s death and her mother being so distraught, she decided to stay home. Though, Marilla also notes she wasn’t brave enough to leave.
- Was in the military.
Josephine Barry (Deborah Grover)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “Remorse is the Poison of Life”
Diana’s queer aunt, who lives a rather lavish life. One that she rather enjoyed with her partner Gertrude, before her passing.
Additional Information About Josephine
Minnie May (Ryan Kiera Armstrong)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “Remorse is the Poison of Life”
Diana’s baby sister, who becomes the key to Eliza allowing Diana and Anne to be friends, openly.
Additional Information About Minnie May
Sebastian Lacroix (Dalmar Abuzeid)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2/ Episode 1 “Youth Is The Season of Hope” [Season Premiere]
Before meeting Gilbert, Sebastian, nicknamed Bash and Trinidad, was a trimmer for 10 years and then worked at sea. But with having long separated from his mother, and having limited access to her, while a freeman, he wasn’t necessarily privileged.
But with meeting Gilbert, who he looks after like a little brother, he begins to develop a sense of family, and finds himself, even when they are off the ship they met on, sticking with the kid. Eventually even moving in with him.
Additional Information About Sebastian
William Barry (Jonathan Holmes)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2/ Episode 1 “Youth Is The Season of Hope” [Season Premiere]
Diana’s father who, like his wife, is traditional and prefers it that way. Especially when it comes to gender roles.
Additional Information About William
- Owns over 100 acres of land.
Cole (Cory Gruter-Andrew)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2/ Episode 2 “Signs are Small Measurable Things, but Interpretations are Illimitable”
One of Anne’s friends who is a sensitive soul, an artist, and in his interactions with Josephine, comes to accept he is queer. A discovery which forces him to live with her due to the way his family, and the times, are.
Additional Information About Cole
- Josie had a crush on Cole and Billy was jealous.
- Comes from a farming family.
Hazel (Yanna McIntosh & Melanie Nicholls-King)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2/ Episode 2 “Signs are Small Measurable Things, but Interpretations are Illimitable”
Sebastian’s mother who, unfortunately, isn’t a free person. At least, not free as her son to travel and be free. Instead, as she would if enslaved, she takes care of a house and finds herself minding someone else’s child more than her own.
Additional Information About Hazel
Nate (Taras Lavren)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2
Flirtatious, endearing, and a true grifter, of the combination of himself and Mr. Dunlop, he seems more at ease with conning people out of their money. Also, he is by far the bigger arse hole for he also likes picking with Jerry.
Additional Information About Nate
- Pretended to be a geologist while doing his con and would have people pay $150 for their land to be tested.
Mr. Dunlop aka Jonesey (Shane Carty)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2
One half of the Nate/ Dunlop operation which is much more chill when it comes to interacting with locals, though still very serious about making, rather stealing, money. However, with time, he comes to like Green Gables to the point of reconsidering participating in Nate’s scam.
Additional Information About Mr. Dunlop
- Claims to have lost many people in the Boer war.
- Can carry a tune.
- Has killed, at least, 5 people.
- For at least 5 years, has worked with Nate.
Malcolm Frost (Tom McCamus)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2/ Episode 3 ” The True Seeing Is Within”
A journalist down on his luck who reported on the “Gold Fever” Nate and Mr. Dunlop caused in another town.
Additional Information About Malcolm Frost
Ruth (Greta Onieogou)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2/ Episode 4 “The Painful Eagerness of Unfed Hope”
While this character is only featured in one episode, she is an integral part of Gilbert deciding he wants to be a doctor after he helps deliver her baby.
Additional Information About Ruth
Marilla, Michael and Matthew’s Mother (Delphine Roussel)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2/ Episode 7 “Memory Has As Many Moods As the Temper”
With the death of her son Michael, Marilla, Matthew and Michael’s mother was left in a state of shock. Thus causing Marilla to pick up the slack, followed by Matthew quitting school. And, after death, Matthew does admit a certain amount of anger over their mother tapping out while she still had two children who needed her.
Additional Information About Marilla, Michael and Matthew’s Mother
Woman in Blue Top Hat (Joanne Boland)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2/ Episode 7 “Memory Has As Many Moods As the Temper”
Another one episode character, but one who has such a profound effect thanks to the things she says, quotes in the episode recap linked above.
Additional Information About Woman in Blue Top Hat
Mary (Cara Ricketts)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2/ Episode 8 “Struggling Against the Perception of Facts”
A laundress and someone who rents rooms to travelers, when we meet her, in time Sebastian wiggles his way into her heart.
Additional Information About Mary
- Has a daughter with Sebastian named Delphine.
- Dies of Sepsis in Season 3, Episode 3
- Born in 1865 and died 4/6/1899
Dr. Ward (Brian Paul)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2/ Episode 8 “Struggling Against the Perception of Facts”
Dr. Ward is the man who took care of John when he was ill, helps Sebastian when he had a tooth infection and is Gilbert’s mentor as he considers getting into the medical field.
Additional Information About Dr. Ward
Muriel Stacy (Joanna Douglas)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2/ Episode 9 “What We Have Been Makes Us What We Are”
A widow and school teacher, in many ways Muriel Stacy seems like an older version of Anne. She is curious, eccentric, doesn’t easily fit in but with time, people come to love how different she is.
Additional Information About Muriel
- Rides a motorbike
- 3.4: Her husband’s name was Jonah.
Elijah (Araya Megesha)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2/ Episode 10 “The Growing Good of the World” [Season Finale]
Mary’s adult son who is a bootlegger.
Additional Information About Elijah
Thomas (Phillip Williams)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2
Rachel’s husband who, unlike most men in Avonlea, is very 50/50 with his wife. Not just when it comes to domestic decisions but finances as well. Making him notable amongst the town – especially women like Eliza Barry.
Additional Information About Thomas
Ka’kwet (Kiawento:io Tarbell)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 1 “A Secret Which I Desired to Divine” [Season Premiere]
A member of the local indigenous Mi’kmaq who Anne befriends after her father sells some of the boys hockey sticks and she interviews her.
Additional Information About Ka’Kwet
- Her name means Starfish
- Loves to weave
- Is the oldest of her siblings
- Is renamed Hannah by racist religious folk
- Ka’Kwet is around 12
Oqwatnuk (Dana Jeffrey)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 9 “A Dense and Frightful Darkness”
Ka’kwet’s mother who becomes a fierce advocate for her after the Canadian government tries to execute cultural genocide.
Additional Information About Oqwatnuk
Lily (Mackenzie Ripley)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 10 “The Better Feeling of My Heart” [Season Finale]
Mrs. Blackmore’s deaf-mute housekeeper.
Additional Information About Lily
Mrs. Blackmore (Sheila McCarthy)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 10 “The Better Feeling of My Heart” [Season Finale]
The house mother of the rooming house Anne and her friends from school live in.
Additional Information About Mrs. Blackmore
Ms. Thomas (Corinne Conley)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 10 “The Better Feeling of My Heart” [Season Finale]
One of the Cuthbert’s neighbors, who didn’t necessarily like Anne, but did have a book of theirs that made Anne really happy.
Additional Information About Ms. Thomas
Tillie (Glenna Walters)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 1 “A Secret Which I Desired to Divine” [Season Premiere]
A member of Anne’s larger group of friends who learns, in season 3, she has multiple admirers.
Additional Information About Tillie
Billy (Christian Martyn)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 1 “A Secret Which I Desired to Divine” [Season Premiere]
A local bully who torments Anne, and was one of the factors which drove Cole away.
Additional Information About Billy
- Has a crush on Josie
Jane (Lia Pappas-Kemps)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 1 “A Secret Which I Desired to Divine” [Season Premiere]
Billy’s sister who does not like Josie – what so ever.
Additional Information About Josie
Moody (Jacob Ursomarzo)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 1 “A Secret Which I Desired to Divine” [Season Premiere]
A boy who has had a crush on Diana for a long time.
Additional Information About Moody
- Moody, in season 2, episode 5, got to play spin the bottle and it landed on Diana.
- Eventually transfers his affections to Ruby.
- Knows how to play guitar
Prissy (Ella Jonas Farlinger)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 2
A girl formerly betrothed to Mr. Phillips until she was forced to decide between her education and his social mobility.
Additional Information About Prissy
Winifred Rose (Ashleigh Stewart)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 2 “There Is Something at Work In My Soul Which I Do Not Understand”
Gilbert’s co-worker at Dr. Ward’s who proves herself to be a bit of an eccentric young woman. One who likes to talk to the skeleton in the office and even during a date with Gilbert will tease him and misdirect him to make things lively.
But don’t get us wrong, none of this is mean-spirited. It’s just, similar to Anne and Muriel, she is a one of a kind young woman who goes against the grain.
Additional Information About Winifred
Jocelyn (Nicky Lawrence) & Constance (Lisa Codrington)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 3 “What Can Stop The Determined Heart”
Mary’s friends from the bog she used to work with cleaning laundry.
Additional Information About Jocelyn and Constance
Caleb (Kevin Forster)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 4 “A Hope of Meeting You in Another World”
One of Rachel’s sons that she tries to match up with Muriel Stacy.
Additional Information About Caleb
- He always listens to mother.
- He lives in Spencervale
Charlie (Jacob Horsley)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 5 “I Am Fearless And Therefore Powerful”
One of the boys in Anne’s class who takes an interest in her.
Additional Information About Charlie
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Aluk (Brandon Oakes)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 5 “I Am Fearless And Therefore Powerful”
Ka’kwet’s father.
Additional Information About Aluk
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Harmon (David Ingram)
Character Introduction
First Noted In: Season 3, Episode 7 “A Strong Effort of the Spirit of Good”
Prissy and Billy’s father who manages the family business. One that he’d rather leave to Billy, a boy not good with numbers, and who’d likely bankrupt the company, than have his daughter even be a co-manager of – due to his traditional values.
Additional Information About Harmon
Groups, Locations, Major Events, & Terms To Know
- Season 2 begins in October
Groups & Organizations
Progressive Mother Sewing Circle
A liberal group of mothers who advocate for more access for the women and girls of the area. At least, in theory, as they often oppose more than they advocate for.
Also, this group has power over who teaches local children.
Notable Locations
Charlottetown
The closest town to Avonlea of note where Aunt Josephine lives.
Aunt Josephine’s Home
The home of Aunt Josephine is large and it is where she hosts a yearly party for the queer and eccentric community she’s become a patron of, alongside her partner Gertrude.
Green Gables
The name of the location Matthew, Anne, and Marilla live.
La Rue Auber
The name of Jeannine’s shop.
Avonlea
The town Green Gables is in where Anne’s family, Rachel’s, Diana’s, and many others live.
The Bog
The area where the Black Canadians we’re introduced to are segregated to. It’s a marsh, wetland, with mud all over and where the air is so thick you’d think it was near a factory. And while there are some walkways, there are few and they are so thin that people can barely walk side by side.
Nova Scotia
Where Anne comes from.
Saint Albans Orphanage
Where Anne lived, off and on, from the age of three months to thirteen years of age.
Noteworthy Events
Anne Officially Being Welcomed Into The Family
An event which takes place in Season 1, Episode 2
A Fire At The Gillis House
In episode 4 of season 1, Ruby’s house catches fire and thanks to Anne containing it, this turns the tide in how the girls, and community overall, see her.
The Dal Marie Going Down
A ship, with the Cuthbert family crops, which went down and nearly financially ruined the family and almost led to Matthew committing suicide – for the sake of a life insurance payment.
Gertrude’s Yearly Party
For years Gertrude, using Josephine’s money, would host a party for queer and odd people – giving them the chance to be themselves without the need of hesitation. Also, during this event, a passage would be read.
The School Being Burnt Down
Thanks to a careless mover, in season 3, episode 8, the children’s school burns down. Luckily, this happens with none of them in it and after the school term is over.
Terms To Know
Mouse
A euphemism Anne uses for penis.
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