Little Women: who's who, timeline and places

Everyone in Little Women, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.

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JoJo is one of the four March sisters and writes a play they rehearse together.First seen in chapter 1
MegMeg is one of the March sisters, who plan Christmas gifts for their mother.First seen in chapter 1
BethBeth is one of the March sisters and joins their rehearsal of Jo’s play.First seen in chapter 1
AmyAmy is one of the March sisters and struggles with fainting during their play rehearsal.First seen in chapter 1
Mrs. MarchMrs. March is the sisters’ mother, whose worn slippers inspire their plans for Christmas gifts.First seen in chapter 1
Mr. MarchMr. March is the sisters’ father, serving away from home as an army chaplain.First seen in chapter 1
Mr. LaurenceMr. Laurence is a neighbor who sends the sisters a fine supper after their generosity.First seen in chapter 2
HummelsThe Hummels are a hungry family who receive the March sisters’ Christmas breakfast.First seen in chapter 2
Aunt MarchAunt March is the aunt Jo serves with a mixture of irritation and pleasure.First seen in chapter 4
HannahHannah helps Mrs. March keep the household running while the sisters take a break from duties.First seen in chapter 11
Mrs. KirkeMrs. Kirke is a mother whose children Jo plans to teach in New York.First seen in chapter 32
Friedrich BhaerFriedrich Bhaer is a professor Jo meets in New York who offers her German lessons.First seen in chapter 33

Chapter 1
The March sisters decide to spend their Christmas money on gifts for their mother instead of themselves.
Chapter 2
The sisters give their Christmas breakfast to the hungry Hummels, and Mr. Laurence sends them a fine supper.
Chapter 3
Jo enjoys meeting Laurie at a dance, and he helps the sisters home after Meg sprains her ankle.
Chapter 6
Beth makes slippers for Mr. Laurence, whose gift of a piano helps turn her fear into friendship.
Chapter 8
Amy burns Jo’s stories, but a skating accident and their mother’s advice lead the sisters toward reconciliation.
Chapter 11
A week without regular work ends in household trouble, teaching the sisters to balance duties and pleasure.
Chapter 14
Jo secretly submits stories to a newspaper and celebrates her first publication with her family.
Chapter 15
Father’s serious illness calls Mrs. March to Washington, and Jo sells her hair to help.
Chapter 17
Beth develops signs of scarlet fever after caring for the Hummels’ sick baby.
Chapter 18
Beth’s fever breaks after an anxious night, and Laurie announces Mrs. March’s arrival.
Chapter 22
Mr. March returns unexpectedly at Christmas and praises his daughters’ progress toward kindness and responsibility.
Chapter 23
Meg defends John against Aunt March’s threats and accepts his affection.
Chapter 25
Meg marries John in a simple ceremony at home, surrounded by her family.
Chapter 27
Jo earns money through stories and learns to endure conflicting criticism after publishing her novel.
Chapter 28
Meg and John repair quarrels over housekeeping and spending, and their family grows with the birth of twins.
Chapter 30
Amy answers an insult with kindness at a fair and is chosen to travel abroad with Aunt Carrol.
Chapter 33
Jo teaches Mrs. Kirke’s children in New York and grows close to Friedrich Bhaer through kindness and German lessons.
Chapter 35
Jo refuses Laurie’s marriage proposal, and Mr. Laurence arranges a journey abroad with his distressed grandson.
Chapter 36
At the seashore, Beth tells Jo she expects to die, and Jo commits herself to caring for her.
Chapter 39
Amy challenges Laurie’s idle habits and learns that Jo’s refusal lies behind his unhappiness.
Chapter 40
Beth finds comfort in Jo’s love, asks her to care for their parents, and dies quietly before dawn.
Chapter 43
Laurie returns with Amy as his wife, and Professor Bhaer’s unexpected visit brings Jo signs of affection.
Chapter 46
Jo and Mr. Bhaer declare their love and agree to work toward a home together.
Chapter 47
Jo inherits Plumfield, marries the Professor, and opens a school offering boys teaching, affection, and care.
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