Photo: Courtesy Focus Features

Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables) and Elizabeth Bennet (Pride and Prejudice) are two of literature's most beloved heroines. Despite being written many years apart (Regency England and Edwardian Canada), both share strikingly similar literary traits. Read below to find out more information on their personality traits, flaws, and why audiences love these fiercely independent women.

Overcoming Poverty and Limitation: Both navigate worlds with limited social or financial leverage: Anne as an impoverished orphan and Elizabeth as a member of a lower-gentry family with an unpragmatic mother and entailment pressures, yet they maintain unyielding self-respect.

Photo: Courtesy Focus Features

Sharp Intellect and wit: Elizabeth is not easily distracted by pretty ribbons and the boys of the visiting regiment, but prefers the company of her father and books. Anne speaks her mind and is more talkative and stands out as different to the citizens of Avonlea.

The "Insult" Catalyst: Elizabeth's pride is wounded when Mr. Darcy calls her "tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me,”. Meanwhile, Anne's temper flares when Gilbert Blythe calls her hair "Carrots". These initial slights create bitter enemies-to-lovers dynamics.

Photo: Courtesy Focus Features

Devotion to Family & Friends: Anne and Diana became best friends upon first meeting and swear "eternal friendship". Elizabeth and her sister, Jane, share a special bond that sets them apart from their younger siblings and frantic mother.

Outspoken Nature: Neither character is afraid to speak her mind. Elizabeth famously rejects the overbearing Lady Catherine de Bourgh, while Anne unapologetically holds her ground against the hyper-critical Rachel Lynde.

Photo: Courtesy Focus Features

The "Enemy to Lovers" Arc: Both heroines start with an intense, long-lasting prejudice against a male lead (Mr. Darcy and Gilbert Blythe), only for that initial grudge to evolve into profound mutual respect and true love.

Coming-of-Age Arcs: Both characters experience profound growth, learning to overcome their initial misjudgments, and achieve a deeper understanding of themselves and their eventual partners.

And another common trait: Both Anne and Elizabeth love to read books!