The eldest of the March sisters, Meg is 16 at the beginning of the novel. She is considered a natural beauty with a sweet temperament and a docile, prudent nature. She is vain with regard to her white hands and has a weakness for luxury, which she cannot completely overcome, despite her happiness. At the end of Part 1, she accepts John Brooke’s proposal of marriage, partially in rebellion against Aunt March for attacking his poverty, and also because Meg is a romantic. Upon her marriage and subsequent motherhood, her home becomes her world and her story revolves around the domestic sphere—especially the raising of her twins, Daisy and Demi.

The second of the March sisters, Jo is 15 at the beginning of the novel. She blatantly expresses her yearning to be a boy; Jo is headstrong, energetic and brazen in her ways, relishing independence and adventure. Described as lanky, she has striking gray eyes and thick hair. Based on the author herself, Jo similarly pursues her literary ambitions and her desire to be a writer. Her fiery temper is her biggest obstacle to overcome, placing her in predicaments until she learns the importance of controlling it. Ultimately, Jo marries Professor Bhaer, in whom she meets a companion who can keep up with her values and better her as a person.