Josephine 'Jo' March is the second eldest of the four March sisters, a close but poor family from Concord. Jo has never really felt particularly feminine, and spends her time reading gothic novels, eating apples, writing dramatic stories and putting on wild theatricals with her sisters. When Theodore 'Laurie' Laurence moves next door to be with his rich grandfather, Jo finds a best friend and kindred spirit, and the two spend much time together - often to the annoyance of the youngest March, Amy, who burns Jo's manuscript when she refuses to take Amy to the Opera with her and Laurie... (but all is forgotten when Amy nearly dies upon falling through thin ice). When Captain March is injured in the Civil War, Jo sells her hair to raise the train fare for her Mother's journey to visit. While she is gone, Jo's younger sister Beth - with whom she is extremely close - falls ill, so Jo and her elder sister Meg attempt to nurse her back to health. All is well when Marmee returns, and for a while, everything seems rosy. (Aside from Jo's uneasiness at Meg's marriage to John Brooke). Some years later, Laurie finally plucks up the courage to tell Jo that he loves her. Distraught at her friend's confession, Jo refuses his marriage proposal, and he flees the country. Jo finds it difficult to remain in Concord and Marmee finds her a governess position in New York. While she is there, Jo meets a German professor, Friedrich Bhaer, who instantly takes a shine to the feisty, fiercely intellingent Miss March. He takes her under his wing, and she attempts to become a published author. However, Friedrich doesn't approve of Jo's fantastical, horror-filled stories, insisting that she write what is in her heart. Decidedly upset by his rebuff, and upon learning of Beth's relapse, Jo returns home. She finds her younger sister weak, and Beth dies by Jo's side. A more sobre Jo remains at home to help the family, and is beyond shocked when Laurie returns from Europe with his new wife - Amy. Jo observes that We're all together, just as we should be. Inspired by Friedrich's advice, and needing to explore her past, Jo lovingly writes a book based on her family experiences. To her delight, she returns home one evening to find the published script, and their maid, Hannah informs her that a foreign gentleman left it behind. Jo rushes outside to find Friedrich. She realises that she loves him, and asks him not to leave. She's going to open a school, she explains, and she'll be needing someone who knows how to teach. Friedrich opens up his hands and laments I have nothing to give you... my hands are empty. Jo takes his palm in her hand and says Not empty now. Show less «