Lucy Maud  Montgomery’s title character, Anne Shirley, is a direct reflection of her own life. Anne’s parents die when she is only a few months old, leaving her in the care of several women who have her work with their children. Montgomery’s own mother died when she was a year old, and her father left her in the care of her strict grandparents. Like Anne, Montgomery made up friends and stories to make herself less lonely. The other main characters, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, are also very much like grandparents to Anne, which is a mirror of Montgomery being raised predominantly by her grandparents. Even the house that Anne lives in, Green Gables, is based off of the house Montgomery's cousins on her mother's side lived in. Also like Anne, Montgomery was smart and finished her teaching license in one year instead of two. In the sequels to this story, Anne’s romantic life, education path, and careers are also similar to Montgomery’s. Montgomery’s character is so relatable and realistic, because Anne is a manifestation of Montgomery’s own personal life