Storieta
Sign up

Character guide

Little Women characters

Who's who in Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1868): the 10 main characters, each with an original portrait from Storieta's illustrated edition.

How the cast of Little Women connects

Drawn from who shares scenes with whom in the original text. Each bond is labeled from the pair's first scene together, so the map stays spoiler-light.

Margaret March ↔ Marmee March: Mother and daughterAmy March ↔ Margaret March: SistersMarmee March ↔ Aunt March: Aunt and nieceMr. Brooke → Aunt March: AcquaintancesAmy March ↔ Marmee March: Mother and daughterTheodore Laurence ↔ Josephine March: SiblingsMOTHER AND DAUGHTERSISTERSAUNT AND NIECEACQUAINTANCESMOTHER AND DAUGHTERSIBLINGSAmy MarchSupportingTheodore LaurenceSupportingMargaret MarchProtagonistMarmee MarchMajor characterAunt MarchSupportingMr. BrookeMajor characterJosephine MarchSupporting
Portrait of Josephine March from Little Women

Josephine March

Also known as Jo

The protagonist and second eldest sister, a tomboyish, spirited, and aspiring writer who struggles with her temper and societal expectations.

As drawn: Jo

Bonds:TheodoreSiblings

Portrait of Margaret March from Little Women

Margaret March

Also known as Meg

The eldest sister, characterized by her beauty, maternal nature, and desire for grace and social standing.

As drawn: Meg

Bonds:MarmeeMother and daughterAmySisters

Portrait of Elizabeth March from Little Women

Elizabeth March

Also known as Beth

The gentle, shy, and deeply sensitive third sister who possesses a musical soul and a quiet, contemplative nature.

As drawn: Beth

Portrait of Amy March from Little Women

Amy March

Also known as the little March, the youngest

The youngest sister, an artistic and somewhat vain girl who grows into a sophisticated and cultured woman.

As drawn: Amy

Bonds:MargaretSistersMarmeeMother and daughter

Portrait of Theodore Laurence from Little Women

Theodore Laurence

Also known as the boy

A wealthy, lonely boy who becomes Jo's close friend and companion through their shared love of books.

As drawn: Mr. Laurence

Bonds:JosephineSiblings

Portrait of Friedrich Bhaer from Little Women

Friedrich Bhaer

Also known as Mr. Bhaer, the professor, the German

A kind and intellectual German professor who becomes a mentor and eventually a romantic interest for Jo.

Portrait of Laurie Laurence from Little Women

Laurie Laurence

Also known as the boy, the tutor

The charming and playful neighbor of the March family who shares a deep bond with Jo.

As drawn: Laurie

Never lose track of a character again.

Storieta keeps this cast at your side while you read Little Women — portraits, names, and an ask-anything assistant that only knows what you've read so far. No spoilers, ever.

Full text of Little Women — the complete public-domain ebook, free.

The story these characters live in

The novel is an autobiographical‑style domestic fiction that follows the March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, as they navigate the ordinary yet vivid world of a New England household. The opening scene places the girls in a lively, dialogue‑rich setting where Jo, ever the mischievous reader, hides a book in her pocket while her aunt scolds her for frivolity. Their banter quickly shifts to schoolyard dramas, a harsh teacher’s reprimand, and a compassionate act by Mr. Laurence that sparks a conversation about gratitude and moral lessons. Through these snapshots of daily life, snippets of reading, knitting, and storytelling, the narrative establishes a pattern of sibling interaction, moral reflection, and the gentle tension between aspiration and contentment.

Written in a conversational, slightly colloquial voice, the prose captures the cadence of mid‑nineteenth‑century New England speech while retaining a warm, humorous tone. The style is straightforward yet rich in detail, allowing readers to hear each sister’s distinct personality. Those who enjoy character‑driven stories about family dynamics, modest moral explorations, and a period setting that feels both intimate and lively will find this work engaging. It appeals especially to readers who appreciate a blend of humor, sentiment, and the everyday adventures of young women growing up together.

More character guides

Every cast illustrated from the original text.

Browse all character guides