Jane Eyre: Character Profiles

Jane Eyre: The novel’s eponymous heroine, Jane evolves from being an independent, strong-willed child, to a passionate, principled young woman who values integrity and independence above all else.
Mr Rochester: A mysterious, brooding character, Mr. Rochester is Jane’s employer and eventually her love interest, whose complex and secret past adds depth to his character.
St. John Rivers: Jane’s cousin and a stoic clergyman, St. John Rivers is driven by duty and religious fervour, offering Jane a different type of relationship than the one she has with Mr. Rochester.
Bertha Mason: Mr. Rochester’s first wife whom he keeps locked away due to her madness, Bertha Mason is symbolic of the suppressed and unnatural women of Victorian society.
Grace Poole: The seemingly unassuming servant of Mr. Rochester who is actually taking care of Bertha, Grace serves as an initial red herring in the novel’s mystery.
Mrs Reed: Jane’s cruel aunt who raised her bitterly after her parents’ death, Mrs Reed represents the oppressive and unloving environment of Jane’s childhood.
Mrs Fairfax: The housekeeper at Thornfield Hall, Mrs Fairfax is a kind and nurturing figure to Jane, providing stability in her chaotic world.
Adele Varens: Mr Rochester’s ward, Adele symbolises Jane’s own childhood and her yearning for love and acceptance.
Mrs Brocklehurst: The vindictive and hypocritical headmistress of Lowood School, Mrs. Brocklehurst embodies the oppressive Victorian ideology towards women and the lower class.
Helen Burns: Jane’s best friend at Lowood, Helen’s religious stoicism and acceptance of her fate contrasts with Jane’s passion and willfulness.
Bessie: The Reed family’s kind maid, Bessie is one of the few characters from Jane’s early life to offer her love and affection.
Miss Temple: Jane’s teacher at Lowood, Miss Temple is a beacon of kindness and morality, representing the kind of woman Jane aspires to be.
Blanche Ingram: A beautiful and wealthy woman who tries to marry Mr. Rochester for his money.
Diana & Mary Rivers: Jane’s cousin sisters who represent a balance between passion and practicality, encapsulating an ideal of womanhood that Jane strives for.
Minor Characters: These characters provide further insight into various societal roles and expectations in Victorian England and contribute to Jane’s growth and learning.