Jane Eyre Characters

The main characters in Jane Eyre are Jane Eyre, Edward Fairfax Rochester, Bertha Mason Rochester, Adele Varens, and St. John Rivers.

  • Jane Eyre is the heroine of the novel. She is orphaned at a young age and struggles to find her place in the world.

  • Edward Fairfax Rochester is Jane's employer and eventual husband. Jane initially rejects his proposal, but later marries him after he is injured in a fire.

  • Bertha Mason Rochester is Mr. Rochester’s first wife, who is regarded as a madwoman.

  • Adele Varens is Mr. Rochester’s ward. Jane is hired to be Adele’s governess.

  • St. John Rivers is Jane’s devoutly religious cousin.

Characters

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Jane Eyre

Jane is a calm, intelligent, and reflective woman who, throughout Jane Eyre, grows spiritually and emotionally with every life event. Due to the untimely death of her parents, Jane is placed into the hands of her aunt, Mrs. Reed. Unwanted and mistreated by Mrs. Reed, Jane experiences traumatic events throughout her childhood. She is abused by her cousins, who, at the guidance of their mother, dislike and disparage Jane. When Jane is attacked by her cousin John, Mrs. Reed blames Jane for inciting him and punishes her by locking her in the “red room” where Mr. Reed died. This causes Jane to become very ill. The apothecary, Mr. Lloyd, convinces Mrs. Reed to send Jane to Lowood Boarding School—a school for orphans—which Mrs. Reed believes is fitting for Jane’s “position and prospects.” In her last attempt to hurt Jane, Mrs. Reed tells the school’s headmaster, Mr. Brocklehurst, that Jane is a liar. (Read extended character analysis of Jane.)

Edward Fairfax Rochester

Edward Fairfax Rochester, or Mr. Rochester, is introduced as a good landowner and a well-liked man. He is a “peculiar character,” as described by his housekeeper, Mrs. Fairfax. Mr. Rochester is described as average looking, with a heavy brow and dark features. He is not traditionally heroic or handsome, but this allows him to be more approachable. However, Mr. Rochester is, upon further observation, more difficult than approachable; when he invites Jane to tea, he is gruff and irritable. Despite his dourness, Mr. Rochester admits to having thought of fairytales when he first encountered Jane along the road. Similarly, Jane reflected on the fairytale of the “Gytrash” as she saw his approaching horse and dog. At first, Mr. Rochester aggressively interrogates Jane about her past, her parents, and her skills, and he blames her for felling his horse the previous day. (Read extended character analysis of Mr. Rochester.)

Bertha Mason Rochester

Bertha Mason Rochester is Mr. Rochester’s wife throughout most of Jane Eyre. Mr. Rochester’s father had arranged and pushed Mr. Rochester to marry her in an effort to gain money and status. However, Mr. Rochester was unaware of the monetary gain until after he had married her. Bertha is from Jamaica and is described as having been “tall, dark, and majestic.” During Mr. Rochester’s visit to Jamaica, he was quickly courted by her and was encouraged to marry her by both of their families. He married her without getting to know her and soon found that he did not love her. (Read extended character analysis of Bertha Rochester.)

Expert Q&A

Is Adèle Mr. Rochester's daughter in Jane Eyre?

Although Mr. Rochester acknowledges that he had an affair (a "grande passion") with Adèle's mother, Céline Varens, Mr. Rochester is adamant that he is not her father. Nevertheless, when Adèle's mother abandons her, Mr. Rochester takes responsibility for Adèle and arranges for her to live at Thornfield Hall as his ward.

How do Helen and Jane from Jane Eyre by Bronte compare?

Helen is a practical and open minded person but Jane is a tempered slightly rough person. Helen trust the God fully but Jane trust the God little. Helen believes life after death but Jane is little doubt about that. Helen is a sick person but Jane is a healthy person. Jane is narrow-minded and Helen is open-minded person. Helen's mother is dead but her father is alive and married another lady, but Jane neither have mother nor have father living.

Helen and Jane, from Jane Eyre, are contrasting characters who form a short-lived friendship. Helen is patient, forgiving, and deeply religious, accepting life and death with humility, while Jane is initially more spirited and skeptical, shaped by her harsh upbringing. Helen's open-mindedness and moral conduct influence Jane, who gradually becomes more tolerant and forgiving. Despite their differences, Jane learns valuable lessons from Helen, which shape her character development throughout the novel.

How do character names in Jane Eyre affect reader perception?

In Jane Eyre, character names significantly influence reader perception by suggesting personality traits or thematic elements. Names like Miss Temple and St. John Rivers evoke religious and moral symbolism, while Mrs. Reed and Mr. Brocklehurst suggest harshness and pomposity. Helen Burns indicates passion and mortality, while Blanche signifies blandness. Jane's name implies simplicity and justice, with "Eyre" suggesting ethereality. Bertha's ironic "brightness" contrasts with her confinement, enhancing the narrative's depth and complexity.

What are some secrets of characters in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre?

In Jane Eyre, secrets play a pivotal role: Mrs. Reed conceals a letter from Jane's uncle and her own mistreatment of Jane. Jane herself adopts a false identity as Jane Elliot. Diane, Mary, and St. John are Jane's cousins, a fact revealed later. Rochester masquerades as a fortune teller, and Mr. Mason hides that he is Bertha's brother. These secrets underscore themes of truth and deception, ultimately resolving in Jane's honest marriage to Rochester.

What are round, flat, dynamic, and static characters in Jane Eyre?

In Jane Eyre, flat characters are simple and two-dimensional, like Brocklehurst and Blanche Ingram. Round characters have depth and complexity, such as Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester. Static characters remain unchanged throughout the story, while dynamic characters undergo development. Jane and Rochester are dynamic, whereas minor characters like Brocklehurst are static. St. John Rivers is somewhat round but remains static.

Describe the teachers at Lowood in Jane Eyre.

The teachers at Lowood in Jane Eyre range from downright evil to pleasant and caring. On the evil end of the spectrum, we have the school's manager, Mr. Brocklehurst, and Miss Scatcherd. Nicer staff members include Miss Temple, Madame Pierrot, Miss Smith, and Miss Miller.

Who is the main antagonist in Jane Eyre?

The main antagonist in Jane Eyre is not a single character but rather a series of antagonistic figures and situations throughout the novel. Early on, Jane's aunt, Mrs. Reed, and her cousin John, along with Mr. Brocklehurst at Lowood School, serve as antagonists. Later, situational challenges such as Mr. Rochester's first wife and societal obstacles act as barriers to Jane's happiness. The novel primarily depicts Jane's struggle against these various adversities.

Who is Mr. Loyd, why is he called to Gateshead, and how does his arrival change Jane's life?

Mr. Lloyd, the local apothecary, is called to Gateshead after Jane Eyre faints from fear in the "red room." His arrival marks a turning point in Jane's life. Unlike Mrs. Reed, he shows concern for Jane's well-being and recognizes her unhappiness. He suggests that Jane attend school, leading to her enrollment at Lowood School. Despite its harsh conditions, Lowood offers Jane opportunities for love and friendship, significantly altering her future.

In "Jane Eyre", how do Mrs. Reed, Miss Temple, Helen, Mr. Brocklehurst, St. John, and John influence Jane's life?

Mrs. Reed and John Reed negatively impact Jane's early life, fostering her rebellious spirit as she realizes she deserves better treatment. Mr. Brocklehurst instills fear in Jane, threatening her newfound respect at school. Miss Temple and Helen are positive influences, nurturing Jane's self-worth and courage. St. John represents a potential life path, but Jane's decision not to marry him emphasizes her independence and refusal to compromise on love and personal freedom.

What connotations does Miss Scatcherd's name suggest in Jane Eyre?

Miss Scatcherd's name in Jane Eyre suggests unpleasantness, evoking "scratch" or "scat," connoting cruelty and filth. This aligns with her character as a harsh teacher who unjustly torments Helen Burns over trivial matters. Her name reflects her nature as a bully with anger issues, contrasting with Jane's philosophy of resisting injustice rather than accepting it meekly, as Helen does. Jane advocates for standing up to cruelty to prevent its perpetuation.

How would you describe Miss Ingram's personality and physical appearance in Jane Eyre?

Miss Ingram in Jane Eyre is depicted as a beautiful, fashionable, and talented woman with "noble features" and "raven-black" hair. Her commanding presence contrasts with Jane's modesty, stirring jealousy in Jane. However, Miss Ingram's personality is haughty, conceited, and dismissive, particularly towards children and governesses. Despite her social advantages, she is vulnerable due to financial pressures, aiming to marry Rochester for security. Her superficial charm lacks the sincerity and kindness Jane possesses.

What does St. John represent in Jane Eyre?

St. John in Jane Eyre represents cold moralism. As such, he is a foil to the passionate but immoral Mr. Rochester. Jane admires but cannot romantically love her stern, morally upright cousin and turns down his marriage proposal.

The personality and description of Mrs. Fairfax in Jane Eyre

Mrs. Fairfax in Jane Eyre is a kind and motherly woman. She serves as the housekeeper at Thornfield Hall and provides Jane with a sense of stability and comfort. Mrs. Fairfax is practical, gentle, and somewhat conventional, reflecting the norms of her time, and she becomes a supportive figure for Jane throughout her stay at Thornfield.

In Jane Eyre, what are Helen Burns's personality traits?

Helen Burns in Jane Eyre is characterized by her patience, intellect, piety, compassion, and acceptance of life's challenges, stemming from her strong faith. Her personality profoundly impacts Jane, offering a new perspective on human behavior compared to her previous experiences. Helen's influence helps Jane develop patience, piety, and a commitment to doing what is right, shaping her growth and resilience in facing life's challenges.

The influence and character differences between Jane Eyre and Bertha Mason in "Jane Eyre."

Jane Eyre and Bertha Mason serve as contrasting characters in Jane Eyre. Jane is depicted as moral, rational, and self-controlled, embodying the ideal Victorian woman, while Bertha represents the antithesis with her madness, violence, and lack of restraint. Their differences highlight themes of sanity versus madness, and the struggle for female autonomy within oppressive societal structures.

Comparison of empowerment and complexity between Jane Eyre and the women in Pride and Prejudice

Jane Eyre is empowered through her independence and moral resilience, navigating complex societal constraints to achieve personal and romantic fulfillment. In contrast, the women in Pride and Prejudice face social complexities related to marriage and class, but their empowerment often hinges on securing advantageous marriages, reflecting different societal expectations and personal agency between the two novels.

Examining the portrayal of women's roles and gender dynamics in Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre portrays women's roles and gender dynamics through its depiction of Jane's struggle for independence and equality in a patriarchal society. The novel challenges traditional gender roles by presenting strong, complex female characters and addressing issues such as economic independence, marriage, and social class. Jane’s resilience and moral convictions highlight the evolving views on women's rights during the Victorian era.

Characterization and Social Role of Mrs. Reed in Jane Eyre

Mrs. Reed in Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre is portrayed as vain, selfish, and abusive, particularly towards Jane. She favors her own children, allowing them to mistreat Jane, and provides Jane with a poor recommendation for school, ensuring a bleak future. Mrs. Reed's position as a wealthy widow in Victorian society is unusual, yet she uses her power selfishly. Despite Jane's forgiving nature, Mrs. Reed remains unlikable, never reconciling with Jane, even on her deathbed.

Show another question (2 questions hidden)

At Gateshead Hall

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Mrs. Reed

Mrs. Reed, Jane Eyre’s aunt, is forced to take in Jane due to the last wish of her deceased husband. She did not want to take Jane in and is cruel to her. Mrs. Reed believes Jane belongs in a lower social position than she and her children do. Therefore she ostracizes Jane.

Mrs. Reed is described as robust and solid, with a “constitution [as] sound as a bell.” Mrs. Reed’s authority is undermined by her children, but otherwise, she is a strong and sure manager of her household. When Jane confronts her for her last act of cruelty—telling the boarding school headmaster that Jane was “deceitful”—Mrs. Reed surprisingly shows signs of fear. Jane represents the unknown and uncontrollable in Mrs. Reed’s life, and Mrs. Reed makes sure Jane leaves for Lowood soon after their confrontation.

Near the end of Jane Eyre, Mrs. Reed’s children have grown into unkind adults. When she is on her deathbed, she asks Jane to come and visit. When Jane arrives, Mrs. Reed is...

(This entire section contains 732 words.)

Unlock this Study Guide Now

Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

unable to apologize for her actions, but she does admit to Jane that when a letter arrived from Jane’s relative, John Eyre, she lied to him and told him that Jane had passed away at Lowood, in the hopes that Jane would not receive family or fortune.

From throwing Jane into the “red room” to lying about her one connection to a family heir, Mrs. Reed changes Jane’s fate with her cruel intentions. However, Jane is able to persevere and grow from her mistreatment, and in the end, Jane emerges as a well-rounded and intelligent woman.

Eliza Reed

Eliza is Mrs. Reed’s oldest daughter. She takes part in tormenting the young Jane and is described as headstrong and selfish. Despite her unsavory character, Eliza is respected by her family. To Jane, Eliza represents a character who somehow garners respect from her family—but undeservingly so.

John Reed

John is Mrs. Reed’s oldest son. He attacks Jane and is the catalyst for Jane’s departure to Lowood Boarding School. He is described as large, ill-mannered, and tyrannical. His mother, Mrs. Reed, loves and spoils him. Although John kills birds and plants, disrespects his mother, and sets the dogs on the sheep, he is never punished. To Jane, John represents an evil that has never received deserving punishment. His wickedness persists because he hides behind the protection of his mother’s unconditional love.

Georgiana Reed

Georgiana is Mrs. Reed’s youngest daughter. She joins her siblings in tormenting young Jane. She is described as beautiful, but she is also acrid, spiteful, and spoiled. Georgiana is treated well and indulged by those around her. To Jane, Georgiana is an example of a person rewarded for her beauty, despite exhibiting reprehensible attributes.

Bessie Leaven

Bessie Leaven is Mrs. Reed’s governess. Bessie is kind to Jane, and although she has little control over helping her, she still manages to give Jane reassuring words. Bessie cares for Jane while she is ill.

Robert Leaven

Robert is Bessie’s husband and Mrs. Reed’s coachman. He brings Jane to Mrs. Reed when she is on her deathbed.  

Abbot

Abbot is Bessie’s maid. She is described as bitter.

John Eyre

John Eyre is Jane’s uncle. Unbeknownst to Jane, John was Jane’s only living relative. It is revealed by Mrs. Reed that John offered to adopt Jane; however, Mrs. Reed lied to John that Jane had passed away from typhus while at Lowood.

John Eyre is also related to the Rivers. When he passes away, his fortune of thirty thousand pounds is passed onto Jane, which she then shares with the Rivers.

Mr. Lloyd

Mr. Lloyd is the apothecary that Mrs. Reed calls on to treat her servants when they are ill. When Jane falls ill, Mrs. Reed calls on him instead of a physician. After conversing with Jane, Mr. Lloyd understands that Jane needs to leave Gateshead Hall to feel better. He convinces Mrs. Reed to send Jane to a boarding school.

When Mr. Brocklehurst publicly accuses Jane of being a liar, Maria Temple asks Jane to defend herself against the claim. Maria sends a letter to Mr. Lloyd asking him if Jane’s story is true. He supports Jane’s account, which helps Jane have a more successful time at the boarding school.

At Lowood Boarding School

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Mr. Brocklehurst

Mr. Brocklehurst is a clergyman and the headmaster of the Lowood Boarding School. In his first interaction with Jane, he interviews her about her religious knowledge. He is offended to hear that Jane doesn’t like the Psalms, and when Mrs. Reed claims that Jane is a deceitful child, he takes it to heart and warns Jane against acting in such a manner.

Mr. Brocklehurst is a strict schoolmaster, and he forces the schoolgirls to wear plain clothing. He believes that long hair is a sign of vanity and that if he doesn’t keep the girls as plain as possible, they will succumb to the “lusts of the flesh.”

Mr. Brocklehurst is cruelly strict, and when Jane accidentally makes a loud noise near him, he forces her to stand in front of all the girls. He alienates her and tells everyone that she is deceitful and already taken by sin. However, Mr. Brocklehurst unintentionally helps Jane, because his actions force her to find refuge in the other girls, especially Helen Burns.

Maria Temple

Maria Temple is the superintendent of Lowood. She is impressive and refined, and Jane is awed by her when they first meet. Maria takes the place of a surrogate mother to Jane. She is very kind to her, and she helps her get a teaching position at Lowood. Maria puts much effort into making sure the girls are comfortable at school, going so far as to provide them with food when the school makes food the girls cannot eat.

Maria Temple is described by Helen as someone who can only do good. She is kind and forgiving, and when Mr. Brocklehurst accuses Jane of being a liar, Maria invites Jane to her room to tell her side of the story. By allowing Jane to defend herself, Maria shows Jane humanity and respect.

Maria is also loving towards Helen, whom she holds a special regard for. When Maria receives a letter back from Mr. Lloyd, who corroborates Jane’s story and proves that she is not a liar, Jane is able to feel free and loved in the school. From then on she becomes very successful and works hard, all due to Maria’s efforts.

When Maria Temple marries and leaves Lowood, Jane feels that there is no reason to be at the boarding school any longer. Maria played the role of mother, governess, and companion, and without her, Lowood is no longer a home to Jane.

Helen Burns

Helen Burns attends Lowood Boarding School with Jane Eyre. She is partially an orphan, as her mother died, and she explains to Jane the ways of the “charity school” that is Lowood. Helen shows a great deal of dignity and composure. Even while she is being punished by the teachers, she does not show weakness.

Jane cannot understand why Helen doesn’t fight back against the punishments and cruelty of certain teachers, but Helen teaches Jane that staying at the school for an education is a higher priority than fighting back and being expelled.

When Jane and Helen first meet, Helen counters Jane’s conviction that evil should be fought back with evil. Helen firmly believes in being good to those who are unkind to you; she does not believe in revenge, or in harboring hate for another. This way of thinking is new to Jane and allows her to grow as a person. When Mr. Brocklehurst accuses Jane of being a liar, Helen is the first to comfort her. Helen explains that most people dislike Mr. Brocklehurst and that being publicly punished by him would only elicit pity, not hate. Helen has a close relationship with Maria Temple, and Maria gives special care to her.

Helen and Jane become close friends during their time at Lowood. However, Helen becomes ill and dies of the flu. The morning before Helen dies, Jane breaks curfew to visit her room. Jane stays with Helen all night, and Helen assures Jane that she is ready to die and that dying young is in its own way a blessing. When Jane wakes in the morning, Helen is dead. Helen’s gravestone later reads, “Resurgam,” meaning “I shall rise again.”

Miss Miller

Miss Miller is an under-teacher at Lowood boarding school. She is always in a hurry, and she is described as ordinary with a “ruddy complexion.”

Miss Scatcherd

Miss Scatcherd is a strict, put-together, and punctual teacher at Lowood. She is often cruel and punishes Helen Burns for not exhibiting similar traits of organization and neatness.

Mrs. Harden

Mrs. Harden is the housekeeper at Lowood. She is described as being “after Mr. Brocklehurst’s own heart” and is a hard, stoical woman.

At Thornfield Hall

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Grace Poole

Grace Poole is a servant at Thornfield who Mr. Rochester apparently blames for Bertha Rochester’s many noises and actions. Grace is described as stately and somber. Her outward appearance is dull, which to Jane is an odd contrast to the jilting laughter she thinks Grace emits behind closed doors.

It is later revealed that Grace Poole was hired by Mr. Rochester to care of Bertha Rochester and to keep Bertha a secret from others. Both Mrs. Fairfax and Mr. Rochester blame Grace Poole for Bertha’s actions throughout the novel. Near the end, it is revealed to Jane that Grace is actually a well-paid caretaker for Bertha.

Adele Varens

Adele is Mr. Rochester’s ward. She is the young girl for whom Jane is hired as a governess. Mr. Rochester had an affair with Celine Varens, Adele’s French mother. Obligated to care for Adele, Mr. Rochester takes her to England.

Adele speaks fluent French and broken English. Jane is educated in French, however, and is able to understand her. Adele is at first excitable, sharing with Jane songs and poetry that her mother taught her in France. When Jane begins to teach her, she finds that Adele is docile but unprepared for rigorous learning. Jane decides to start slowly with her education so as to not overwhelm her.

Adele was overindulged previously, but Jane is able to make an obedient and good student out of her. Jane finds that she is an ordinary child, in both intelligence and motivation. Adele likes Jane, and the two get along well.

Mrs. Fairfax

Mrs. Fairfax is the kind housekeeper of Thornfield Hall. She is distantly related to Mr. Rochester, the cousin of Mr. Rochester’s mother. She answers Jane’s advertisement in the paper and hires Jane as governess for Adele Varens. Upon meeting Jane, Mrs. Fairfax treats her well and expresses happiness at finally having equal company. She also claims that Jane will bring more happiness to Thornfield. Jane immediately likes her.

When Jane discovers that Mrs. Fairfax does not own Thornfield—at first, Jane did not know she was the housekeeper—Jane feels as though Mrs. Fairfax is on her same social level. They are both lower class, but are in positions of relative control: Jane is an educated governess and Mrs. Fairfax, as a housekeeper, is in control of Thornfield. Jane’s interpretation of Mrs. Fairfax’s societal level is a reflection of how Jane views herself socially. She is glad to be free of any condescension, knowing that she and Mrs. Fairfax are “equals.”

Furthermore, Mr. Rochester claims to have never told Mrs. Fairfax about Bertha. Even if Mrs. Fairfax suspected that Mr. Rochester was keeping such a secret, she is careful not to reveal anything to Jane.

Sophie

Sophie is the French nurse who cares for Adele Varens.

Mrs. Eshton

Mrs. Eshton is a handsome, older, upper-class woman. She is the mother to Louisa and Amy Eshton. She is Mr. Rochester’s guest at Thornfield.

Mr. Eshton

Mr. Eshton is Mrs. Eshton’s husband and is the local district magistrate. He is a guest of Mr. Rochester’s.

Louisa Eshton

Louisa Eshton is Mrs. Eshton’s younger daughter. She is tall and elegant and is a guest of Mr. Rochester’s.

Amy Eshton

Amy Eshton is Mrs. Eshton’s older daughter. She is petite, naive, and lively. She is Mr. Rochester’s guest.

Lady Lynn

Lady Lynn is a haughty, stout forty-year-old woman. She is richly and extravagantly dressed. To Jane, she represents the overdone bravado of the wealthy class. She is Mr. Rochester’s guest.

Sir George Lynn

Sir George Lynn is a politician of Millcote and is Mr. Rochester’s guest.

Henry Lynn

Henry is Lady Lynn’s and Sir George Lynn’s son. He is tall and dashing and is Mr. Rochester’s guest.

Frederick Lynn

Frederick Lynn is Lady Lynn’s and Sir George Lynn’s other son. He, like Henry, is handsome and affable. He is Mr. Rochester’s guest.

Mrs. Colonel Dent

Mrs. Colonel Dent is a fair, ladylike woman. To Jane, she is more pleasant than Lady Lynn, in that she is gentle and unshowy in dress. She is a guest of Mr. Rochester’s.

Colonel Dent

Colonel Dent is Mrs. Colonel Dent’s husband and a guest of Mr. Rochester’s.

Dowager Lady Ingram

The Dowager Lady Ingram is a woman between forty and fifty who has aged well. She holds herself with haughtiness and pride and speaks in such a way that Jane describes as “intolerably pompous.” Jane finds her similar to Mrs. Reed. The Dowager Lady Ingram is Mr. Rochester’s guest.

Blanche Ingram

Blanche is the Dowager Lady Ingram’s daughter. Blanche is similar to the Dowager in looks in that she, too, is haughty and prideful. However, she has a satirical nature, and her pride is less somber. Despite her name—blanche being French for “white”—her skin is darker than her sister’s and mother’s. Blanche is decidedly well-rounded and educated. She is conscious of her intelligence and shows it off to others. She is a guest of Mr. Rochester’s.

Blanche is also Mr. Rochester’s supposed marriage interest. However, he does not love her and he only uses Blanche as a way to instigate Jane.

Mary Ingram

Mary Ingram is Lady Dowager’s daughter. Mary, unlike Blanche, is mild and fair. Mary, “lacks life” and does not interact or say much to others. She is Mr. Rochester’s guest.

Lord Ingram

Lord Ingram is Blanche and Mary’s brother. He is tall, handsome, and careless. He is a guest of Mr. Rochester’s.

Mr. Mason

Mr. Mason is Bertha Mason’s older brother. Mr. Mason unexpectedly arrives at Thornfield during Mr. Rochester’s party, upsetting Mr. Rochester. In the middle of the night during Mr. Mason’s stay at Thornfield, he is found stabbed. Jane helps care for Mr. Mason’s wound while Mr. Rochester fetches the surgeon and doctor, Mr. Carter. It is revealed later that Mr. Mason’s sister, Bertha, stabbed him.

Mr. Mason is also responsible for stopping the wedding between Jane and Mr. Rochester. He reveals the truth about Mr. Rochester’s marriage to Bertha. This revelation causes Jane to leave Mr. Rochester for a time. Mr. Rochester, who dislikes Mr. Mason, suggests that, like his family members, Mr. Mason lacks cognitive ability.

Mr. Carter

Mr. Carter is Mr. Rochester’s surgeon and doctor, whom he hires to care for Bertha. Mr. Carter is, along with Grace Poole, the only person with whom Mr. Rochester shares his secret about Bertha.

At the North Midland Moors

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

St. John Rivers

St. John Rivers is Mary and Diana’s brother and Jane’s cousin. He is described as good looking, much like his sisters, but, despite his attractive face, he comes across as restless, hard, and stern. He is a devout clergyman and wishes to travel and do missionary work in India. He finds a capable companion in Jane, and, although he does not love her romantically, he offers to marry her and asks her to join him on his mission. St. John is responsible for setting Jane up as a teacher at an orphan’s school in Morton.

Mary Rivers

Mary is an intelligent and pretty woman, although she is reserved and quiet compared to her sister, Diana. She is kind to Jane but keeps her distance. It is later revealed that Mary is Jane’s cousin.

Diana Rivers

Diana is a lovely and charming woman and is Mary Rivers’ sister. She is very warm and kind towards Jane. It is later revealed that Diana is Jane’s cousin.

Hannah

Hannah is the servant to the Rivers family. Although at first cold and prejudiced toward Jane, she warms up to Jane and explains to her the circumstances of the Rivers family. Hannah helps Mary and Diana Rivers nurse Jane back to health.

Rosamund Oliver

Rosamund Oliver is a sponsor of the orphan’s school where Jane works during her time in the Moors. Rosamund is an heiress and a kind woman. However, she can also be somewhat conceited. Rosamund shows an affection for St. John Rivers, but he does not return her affection. St. John does not believe she is capable of joining him on his missions to India, and he asks Jane instead.

Mr. Oliver

Mr. Oliver is Rosamund’s slightly foreboding father.

Alice Wood

Alice Wood is Jane’s pupil at the school where Jane teaches in the Moors. Jane grows close to Alice and allows her to be her assistant.

Next

Jane Eyre

Loading...