We meet Rory Gilmore in Season 1 of "Gilmore Girls," when she is 16 years old and a sophomore in high school. We learn that her character was raised by a single mother, Lorelai (played by Lauren Graham), who had her when she was just 16 herself. While Lorelai has wealthy parents, Emily and Richard, she has chosen to forge her own path and raise Rory on her own. 

From the very beginning of the show, it's hard not to fall in love with the iconic mother-daughter duo. With their fast-talking, witty banter; mutual love of junk food, coffee, and old movies; and heartwarming bond, they seem to be — well — pretty much perfect. As for Rory, she seemed to be a wholesome, sweet teenager with a shy side and a bright future. Not only was she a bookworm and a straight-A student, but she was also hugely ambitious, with plans to go to Harvard and become the next Christiane Amanpour (via Marie Claire). Suffice it to say, the character had a highly promising start.