Little Women Characters: Complete Analysis

Jo March is the novel's protagonist and Alcott's semi-autobiographical character—a tomboyish, ambitious writer who refuses conventional femininity and dreams of literary success. At 15, Jo is impulsive, hot-tempered, and determined to help her family financially through writing. She sells her hair to fund her mother's trip to see their wounded father, writes sensational stories for money, and rejects marriage proposals because she values independence over romantic love. Jo represents the 19th century woman who wants more than domestic life—she wants career, freedom, and meaningful work, making her ahead of her time. Meg March is the eldest sister at 16, beautiful and more conventional than Jo. She wants marriage and domestic happiness, initially tempted by wealth but ultimately choosing love with poor tutor John Brooke. Beth March is the third sister, shy, gentle, and musical. She contracts scarlet fever from helping a poor family and never fully recovers, eventually dying young—representing the fragility of goodness in a harsh world. Amy March is the youngest, artistic and initially vain, who matures from spoiled girl to accomplished artist. She eventually marries Laurie (Jo's rejected suitor), finding both love and artistic fulfillment in Europe. Laurie (Theodore Lawrence) is the wealthy boy next door who becomes the sisters' friend and surrogate brother. He loves Jo desperately but she rejects him, unable to see him romantically. After this rejection, Laurie pursues Amy, eventually marrying her. Marmee (Mrs. March) is the sisters' mother, the moral center who teaches them to be good women through example rather than lectures. Professor Bhaer is the older German professor Jo eventually marries—poor, intellectual, and supportive of her writing, though the marriage requires Jo to compromise some independence.