Character Synopses
Point of View
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Jane Eyre : as the protagonist of the novel, Jane is a young woman who was orphaned at a young age. She struggles with her position in society and tries to balance her desire for freedom with the constraints placed on her economically and socially. Jane works hard to maintain a composed demeanor in both outward appearances and inner emotions, although at times situations challenge this image that she strives to keep. Jane works as a teacher at Lowood, as a governess, and then as schoolteacher after she meets with St.John. Rochester: has a high social and economic standing as the owner of Thornfield Hall. He has a stern disposition and he’s quick to remind Jane of her position in society. He’s the caretaker of Adèle, who’s the daughter of his late mistress. Rochester seemingly has a forming relationship with Blanche Ingram, but ultimately proclaims love for Jane. Rochester married Bertha Mason before he met Jane, but he argues that Bertha’s insanity voids their marriage. He goes blind at the end of the novel. Bertha Mason: In Jane Eyre (excluding WSS), Rochester tells the story on behalf of Bertha because of her insanity. She’s from Jamaica and her family along with her beauty and wealth encouraged Rochester to pursue her hand in marriage. Rochester explains that there’s insanity in the Mason family, and that Bertha’s mind quickly faltered after their marriage. She’s put in an attic and watched over by Grace Poole but escapes and causes problems in the house, such as starting a fire in Rochester’s bed, ripping up Jane’s wedding veil, and stabbing Richard Mason. She eventually sets fire to Thornfield and jumps off the roof, killing herself. St.John Rivers: a stiff religious man that appoints Jane to work as a schoolteacher after she stumbles upon his doorstep after leaving Rochester. St.John has feelings for Rosamond Oliver but he refuses to pursue her because of religious involvement and because of his rigid mindset. St.John later asks Jane to marry him and accompany him with missionary work abroad. Jane refuses, he leaves, and later dies in India after ten years. Helen Burns: a young girl that Jane meets at Lowood School. She is punished in class but accepts it - when Jane later is punished, Helen comforts her. Helen discusses religion and philosophy with Jane before dying of Tuberculosis. She does not fear God but accepts her fate readily as she lay dying with Jane next to her. Mrs.Reed: the caretaker of Jane with high social status. She raises Jane at Gateshead Hall but then makes her leave to Lowood School after an altercation with her son John Reed.She later sees Jane on her deathbed and explains her hatred of Jane but still holds resentment as she dies. Blanche Ingram: a beautiful woman that wants to marry Rochester. She has high social and economic status, and Jane fears that Rochester is in love with her. Richard Mason: Bertha’s brother who is stabbed by her when he visits. He later reveals Rochester’s secret at Jane and his potential wedding. Grace Poole: the woman who takes care of Bertha Mason and (poorly) keeps her locked up in the attic. She drinks and lets Bertha escape on multiple occasions. Maria Temple : a teacher at Lowood school who is kind to Jane and Helen. She helps Jane stand up for herself in the face of Mrs.Reed’s claims against her. Mr.Brocklehurst: the cruel headmaster at Lowood School who listens to accusations against Jane and publicly humiliates her. Point of View: the story is told in first person point of view; Jane, the protagonist, is telling the story. |