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Jane Eyre : Characters

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Jane Eyre is a notable literary work by Charlotte Brontë. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Jane Eyre.

Characters

Major Characters

  • Jane Eyre (The Protagonist): An orphan and the central character. Intelligent, strong-willed, moral, and independent. She struggles with poverty, loneliness, and social prejudice, but always values self-respect and love based on equality.
  • Edward Rochester (The Male Protagonist): The wealthy master of Thornfield Hall. By nature, proud, passionate, and mysterious. He hides his past with Bertha Mason but truly loves Jane. Represents conflict between desire and morality.
  • St. John Rivers: A serious, religious, and ambitious clergyman. He helps Jane when she is homeless, but pressures her into a loveless marriage for missionary duty. Symbol of duty over passion.
  • Bertha Mason (The Madwoman in the Attic): Rochester’s first wife was hidden at Thornfield. She is violent and insane. She symbolizes repression, colonial exploitation, and the dark side of passion.
  • Mrs. Reed: Jane’s cruel aunt who raises her after her parents’ death. Represents family oppression and injustice in Jane’s childhood.

Minor Characters

  • Helen Burns: Jane’s close friend at Lowood School. Gentle, patient, and spiritual. She accepts suffering with the Christian faith. Her death influences Jane’s moral strength.
  • Mr. Brocklehurst: The hypocritical headmaster of Lowood. Preaches humility while living in luxury. Symbol of religious hypocrisy and social cruelty.
  • Diana and Mary Rivers: St. John’s kind sisters who befriend Jane. They represent warmth, friendship, and female solidarity.
  • Adele Varens: Rochester’s ward. A lively French girl who adores Jane. Symbol of innocence and new beginnings.
  • Grace Poole: The servant at Thornfield who guards Bertha Mason. Her mysterious presence adds Gothic suspense.
  • Bessie: The kind-hearted nurse at Gateshead. She shows affection to Jane in childhood, unlike Mrs. Reed.
  • Mr. Mason: Bertha Mason’s brother, who reveals the secret of Rochester’s marriage. His testimony stops Jane’s wedding.

Couples and Love Connections in the Novel

  • Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester: The central love story. They struggle with class, morality, and secrets, but finally unite in mutual respect and true love.
  • St. John Rivers and Rosamond Oliver: St. John loves Rosamond but suppresses his feelings for duty. Represents the sacrifice of passion.
  • Bertha Mason and Rochester: A tragic, destructive marriage symbolizing colonial ties and hidden sin.

Friends and Family

  • The Reed Family: Mrs. Reed and her children (Eliza, Georgiana, and John) represent Jane’s early oppression.
  • The Rivers Family: St. John, Diana, and Mary Rivers—Jane’s cousins, representing both duty and affection.
  • Lowood Community: Helen Burns (friend) and Mr. Brocklehurst (oppressor).
  • Thornfield Household: Adele Varens, Mrs. Fairfax (housekeeper), Grace Poole (servant), Bertha Mason (secret wife).