Character Profiles

Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre is the protagonist and narrator of the novel.
She is an orphan who is mistreated by her relatives, the Reeds.
Jane’s strength of character is established in her spirited response to her unfair treatment.
As a student at Lowood School, Jane develops a sense of justice and a deep-seated belief in God.
When she goes to work at Thornfield Hall, she falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester.
Jane’s quest for love, independence, and a sense of self-worth shapes the novel.

Edward Rochester is the master of Thornfield Hall.
Before meeting Jane, he lived a life of excess and experienced disillusionment and regret.
Rochester appreciates Jane’s clarity, honesty, and strong moral character.
His previous relationships are troubled, particularly his disastrous marriage to Bertha Mason, which was based on deception.
Despite his faults, Rochester’s capacity for change helps him to redeem himself in Jane’s eyes.

St. John Rivers is Jane’s cousin and a clergyman with strong Christian ideals.
He offers Jane proposal of marriage, but it’s based on conventional duty not love.
St. John is cold and detached, viewing emotions as distractions from his religious goals.
He contrasts with Jane’s other love interest, Mr. Rochester, who is characterized by passion and impulse.
St. John serves as a foil to Rochester, highlighting the central theme of passion versus reason.

Bertha Mason is Mr. Rochester’s first wife, whom he married under deceitful circumstances.
She is mentally ill and kept hidden in the attic at Thornfield.
Bertha’s character embodies the Victorian beliefs about the ‘madwoman’ and the ‘other’.
She is a symbol of Rochester’s past mistakes and his misguided approach to love and marriage.
Bertha’s existence reveals the darker side of Rochester’s character and the oppressive nature of Victorian marriage.

Helen Burns is Jane’s friend at Lowood School.
Helen displays deep religious faith and acceptance of her fate, influencing Jane’s spiritual beliefs.
She is based on Charlotte Bronte’s sister Maria, who died of tuberculosis.
Her death has a lasting impact on Jane, highlighting the novel’s recurring theme of mortality.