Roger Emerson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Emerson and brother to Mary Emerson, belongs to a wealthy family fiercely disapproving of his relationship with Eliza Thomas. Eliza's lower social status as a seamstress from a poor, dysfunctional household fuels their opposition. Undeterred by familial pressure, Roger remains steadfastly committed to Eliza, choosing love and ultimately eloping with her to London.

Their marriage flourishes in harmony and mutual support. The couple later welcomes a daughter, Anne, named to honor Eliza's adoptive sister. From their London home, Roger and Eliza maintain contact with Anne Shirley through letters detailing their contented life together.

A point of contention arises when Eliza proposes adopting Anne Shirley after the girl leaves her family. Roger firmly rejects this idea, preventing Anne from joining their household in London. This decision leaves Anne under the care of subsequent guardians.

Roger Emerson is portrayed as an adult with brown hair cut to ear length and blue eyes. He maintains a formal demeanor and is consistently seen wearing suits and ties. His role primarily serves as Eliza's means of escape from her troubled family life, remaining peripheral to Anne Shirley's central narrative.