When Anne Shirley arrives in quiet Avonlea, everyone is taken by surprise, particularly Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who had been expecting to adopt a boy to help on the farm - not a talkative, red-headed orphan girl with a vivid imagination. Anne is immediately entranced by the beauty of Prince Edward Island, the charm of Green Gables, and the delightful companionship of her new schoolmates - all except mischievous Gilbert Blythe, who becomes her sworn enemy when he makes fun of her red hair.