Significance of Gilbert Blythe

Gilbert Blythe is a former schoolmate of Anne, who also teaches at a local school, saving money to go to college to study medicine. Gilbert has grown into a tall and handsome young man, with dark hair and hazel eyes, and many of the Avonlea girls would consider him excellent marriage material, especially coupling his appearance with his ambition to become a doctor. He and Anne lead the other teenagers of Avonlea, encouraging and guiding the Avonlea Village Improvement Society. Pleasing Anne is his main motivation. He has long loved her, though he knows better than to tell her yet. He is patient, biding his time and building a dream of a life with Anne until she is ready to start thinking about her adult future.