Jane Eyre (Adaptation) characters

Appears from the start

An orphan raised without affection in her aunt's household. Plain-spoken, observant, and determined to preserve her self-respect, she survives an unhappy childhood and seeks the education and paid work that will let her direct her own life.

Appears from the start

Jane's wealthy aunt, who promised her dying husband to care for Jane but regards the orphan as an unwelcome dependent. She favors her own children and treats Jane's resistance as proof of bad character.

Appears from the start

Mrs Reed's spoiled son and Jane's older cousin. He bullies Jane with the confidence that his mother and the servants will punish her if she defends herself.

Appears from the start

A servant at Gateshead who sometimes offers Jane kindness and conversation, though she also obeys Mrs Reed and helps enforce the child's punishments.

First appears in chapter 4

The clergyman who controls Lowood School. He preaches humility and deprivation to the pupils while exercising harsh authority over them, and accepts Mrs Reed's hostile account of Jane before she arrives.

First appears in chapter 5

Jane's thoughtful friend at Lowood. Intelligent, patient, and guided by a deep Christian faith, she responds to cruelty with endurance rather than Jane's instinctive defiance.

First appears in chapter 5

The humane superintendent of Lowood, respected by the pupils. She recognizes Jane's honesty, helps clear her name after Mr Brocklehurst humiliates her, and becomes an important teacher and example.

First appears in chapter 10

The housekeeper at Thornfield Hall, who welcomes Jane when she arrives as a governess. Her calm manner and ordinary domestic concerns give Jane an initial sense of security in the unfamiliar house.

Also known as Adèle

First appears in chapter 10

Jane's lively young French pupil at Thornfield. Fond of clothes, presents, and performance, she is Mr Rochester's ward and the reason Jane has been employed as a governess.

Also known as Mr Rochester

First appears in chapter 11

The owner of Thornfield Hall and guardian of Adèle. Abrupt, restless, and accustomed to commanding others, he questions Jane closely and finds her direct answers more interesting than conventional flattery.

First appears in chapter 14

A beautiful and accomplished woman from a prominent family who visits Thornfield. She and Rochester appear to be natural social equals, and Jane believes they intend to marry.

First appears in chapter 16

A visitor from the West Indies whose arrival at Thornfield unsettles Rochester. He knows something about Rochester's earlier life and becomes involved in a violent, unexplained incident during his stay.

Also known as Bertha Mason

First appears in chapter 20

Rochester's wife, kept under supervision in the upper part of Thornfield after years of severe mental illness and violence. Her existence, concealed from Jane, makes Rochester's attempted marriage to Jane unlawful.

First appears in chapter 21

A serious young clergyman who shelters Jane after she collapses near his home. Disciplined and ambitious for missionary work, he respects endurance and usefulness but distrusts emotional claims that conflict with duty.

First appears in chapter 21

St John's warm, educated sister, who receives the destitute Jane into Moor House. She offers Jane companionship founded on shared interests and affection rather than dependence.