Anne Shirley is a fictional character created by author Lucy Maud Montgomery in her novel "Anne of Green Gables," published in 1908. Anne is an imaginative and spirited orphan girl who is mistakenly sent to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert in the small community of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. Throughout the story, Anne's vibrant personality and love for storytelling lead her to form deep friendships and face various challenges. Her journey of self-discovery and growth highlights themes of belonging, identity, and the importance of imagination in everyday life.