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The Library
of Alexandria

A character in Little Women

Who is Meg March?

By the Library of Alexandria · 2 minute read · Updated 23 oct 2026

In short

  • Meg March is the eldest March sister in Louisa May Alcott's Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy.
  • Kind and responsible, she works as a governess while feeling the limits of her family's small budget.
  • Her love of pretty clothes brings her into conflict with what she knows matters more than wealth.

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Who Meg March is

Meg March is the eldest of four sisters growing up in Massachusetts during the American Civil War. Her family has lost its money, and she works as a governess for a neighboring family. She is kind and responsible, but she also longs for dresses and comforts her family cannot afford.

What Meg March wants

Meg loves beautiful things, and being among richer girls makes her own lack of money more painful. When she visits Sallie Moffat, other girls dress her in borrowed finery, curl her hair and powder her face. She enjoys their attention at first, but gossip about her family and her appearance leave her ashamed.

Meg March and the others in the story

Meg turns to Marmee after the visit and tells her mother what has happened. Her mother's guidance helps her face the difference between enjoying pretty things and being ruled by them. When her father falls ill away from home, Meg gives up her small savings to help. Alongside Jo, she also takes turns caring for Beth when their sister becomes seriously ill.

Questions

Who is Meg March?

Meg March is the oldest of the four March sisters, known for her kindness, responsibility and love of pretty things.

What work does Meg March do?

Meg works as a governess for a family living near the Marches.

What fault does Meg March struggle with?

Meg struggles with wanting fine clothes and the attention they bring. Her experiences among wealthier girls test how much she values appearances.

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Get the full summary of Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, free

  • 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
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