Little Women

Main Characters and Their Development

• Margaret March, known as Meg, is the eldest sister. She is 16 at the start of the novel. Meg is characterized by her high moral standards, maternal instincts, and attention to domestic comfort. As the story progresses, she matures, marries John Brooke, has children, and faces domestic and financial challenges.
• Josephine March, or Jo, is the second oldest and the most independent and strong-willed character. Aspiring to be a writer, Jo exhibits a bold demeanor, rejects traditional female roles, and ultimately finds success in literature. She turns down Laurie's proposal but eventually finds love and happiness with Professor Bhaer.
• Elizabeth March, better known as Beth, embodies kindness and selfless altruism. Beth is very musical, modest, and inspires her sisters to do good deeds. Tragically, she is extremely sensitive and fragile, and she dies young from complications related to a previous bout of scarlet fever.
• Amy March is the youngest sister, known for her ambitions and desire for beauty and art. Amy travels to Europe, where she hones her artistic talent, matures, and eventually marries Laurie, transforming from a spoiled girl into a worthy and mature woman.