Little Women: See the Real People Who Inspired the Characters

Jo March was practically an alter ego for Louisa May Alcott, and other Little Women characters bore close resemblances to other Alcotts, too. Read more in LIFE’s Little Women special edition, available now

The eldest of the Alcott sisters, Anna was born March 16, 1831, and like her fictional counterpart, initially harbored dreams of a life on the stage; together she and Louisa were founding members of the Concord Dramatic Union in 1858. Also like Meg, Anna worked as a governess before falling in love — in Anna’s case with John Bridge Pratt, also a member of the acting troupe. They married in 1860.

Louisa was disappointed with the news of their engagement, writing in her journal: “I moaned in private over my great loss, and said I’d never forgive J. for taking Anna from me; but I shall if he makes her happy, and turn to little May for comfort.” The couple, who had two sons, Frederick and John Jr., were happy together until John’s untimely demise in 1870.

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