jane eyre character development essay

Charlotte Brontë

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Edward Fairfax Rochester

St. john rivers, bertha mason.

• Annotated Full Text
• Literary Period: Victorian
• Publication Date: 1847
• Flesch-Kincaid Level: 7
• Approx. Reading Time: 15 hours and 30 minutes

Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre revolutionized the novel form in this tale of a woman’s quest for self-possession and autonomy in a social system that sets her up to fail. Told over the course of the titular character’s progression from childhood to womanhood, the novel uses poetic intensity and emotion to examine the clash between one’s rationality and passion. Jane becomes swept up in her affection for her sardonic employer, Mr. Rochester, while working as a governess with his daughter Adele. However, when a dark secret is revealed, Jane must overcome her desire and follow her convictions even if it means losing her beloved. Bronte’s narrative examines the character’s conscience and gradually unfolds both her spirituality and sensibility as Jane searches for a meaningful life. The novel was revolutionary in its exploration of sexuality, religion, and proto-feminist themes. It combined traditional romantic tropes, such as social and personal impediments to a union, with gothic images and a gothic twist. This classic bildungsroman set the stage for modernist presentations of character interiority, like James Joyce’s stream of consciousness narratives, and became the precedent for character development as we know it today.

Table of Contents

• Chapter III
• Chapter VII
• Chapter VIII
• Chapter XII
• Chapter XIII
• Chapter XIV
• Chapter XVI
• Chapter XVII
• Chapter XVIII
• Chapter XIX
• Chapter XXI
• Chapter XXII
• Chapter XXIII
• Chapter XXIV
• Chapter XXV
• Chapter XXVI
• Chapter XXVII
• Chapter XXVIII
• Chapter XXIX
• Chapter XXX
• Chapter XXXI
• Chapter XXXII
• Chapter XXXIII
• Chapter XXXIV
• Chapter XXXV
• Chapter XXXVI
• Chapter XXXVII
• Chapter XXXVIII
• Alliteration
• Character Analysis
• Foreshadowing
• Historical Context
• Literary Devices
• Personification
• Quote Analysis

Study Guide

• Charlotte Brontë Biography

Teaching Resources

• Jane Eyre Allusion Activity
• Jane Eyre Character Analysis Lesson Plan
• Jane Eyre Teaching Guide

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• Academia - An Overview: Jane Eyre as a Feminist Novel
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• Table Of Contents

Jane Eyre , novel by Charlotte Brontë , first published in 1847 as Jane Eyre: An Autobiography , with Currer Bell (Brontë’s pseudonym) listed as the editor. Widely considered a classic, it gave new truthfulness to the Victorian novel with its realistic portrayal of the inner life of a woman, noting her struggles with her natural desires and social condition.

When the novel begins, the title character is a 10-year-old orphan who lives with her uncle’s family; her parents had died of typhus . Other than the nursemaid, the family ostracizes Jane. She is later sent to the austere Lowood Institution, a charity school , where she and the other girls are mistreated; “Lowood,” as the name suggests, is the “low” point in Jane’s young life. In the face of such adversity, however, she gathers strength and confidence.

In early adulthood, after several years as a student and then teacher at Lowood, Jane musters the courage to leave. She finds work as a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she meets her dashing and Byronic employer, the wealthy and impetuous Edward Rochester . At Thornfield Jane looks after young Adèle, the daughter of a French dancer who was one of Rochester’s mistresses, and is befriended by the kindly housekeeper Mrs. Alice Fairfax . Jane falls in love with Rochester, though he is expected to marry the snobbish and socially prominent Blanche Ingram. Rochester eventually reciprocates Jane’s feelings and proposes marriage. However, on their wedding day, Jane discovers that Rochester cannot legally marry her, because he already has a wife, Bertha Mason , who has gone mad and is locked away on the third floor because of her violent behaviour; her presence explains the strange noises Jane has heard in the mansion. Believing that he was tricked into that marriage, Rochester feels justified in pursuing his relationship with Jane. He pleads with her to join him in France, where they can live as husband and wife despite the legal prohibitions, but Jane refuses on principle and flees Thornfield.

Jane is taken in by people she later discovers are her cousins. One of them is St. John , a principled clergyman. He gives her a job and soon proposes marriage, suggesting that she join him as a missionary in India. Jane initially agrees to leave with him but not as his wife. However, St. John pressures her to reconsider his proposal, and a wavering Jane finally appeals to Heaven to show her what to do. Just then, she hears a mesmeric call from Rochester. Jane returns to Thornfield to find the estate burned, set on fire by Rochester’s wife, who then jumped to her death. Rochester, in an attempt to save her, was blinded. Reunited, Jane and Rochester marry. Rochester later regains some of his sight, and the couple have a son.

The book was originally published in three volumes as Jane Eyre: An Autobiography , with Currer Bell listed as the editor. (The Lowood section of the novel was widely believed to be inspired by Charlotte Brontë’s own life.) Though some complained that it was anti- Catholic , the work was an immediate success. Jane Eyre ’s appeal was partly due to the fact that it was written in the first person and often addressed the reader, creating great immediacy. In addition, Jane is an unconventional heroine, an independent and self-reliant woman who overcomes both adversity and societal norms. The novel also notably blended diverse genres . Jane’s choice between sexual need and ethical duty belongs very firmly to the mode of moral realism. However, her close escape from a bigamous marriage and the fiery death of Bertha are part of the Gothic tradition.

Jane Eyre inspired various film, TV, and stage adaptations , including a 1943 movie that starred Orson Welles as Rochester and Joan Fontaine as Jane. Jean Rhys ’s novel Wide Sargasso Sea (1966) offers an account of Rochester’s first marriage.

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Character Analysis in “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë

Charlotte Brontë’s “Jane Eyre” is a landmark in English literature, celebrated for its complex characters and profound themes. This detailed character analysis explores the protagonist, Jane Eyre, and other significant characters, delving into their development, motivations, and thematic significance.

Independence and Moral Integrity: Jane Eyre is characterized by her strong sense of independence and moral integrity. From her traumatic childhood at Gateshead, where she faces cruelty and neglect, Jane exhibits resilience and a determination to assert her self-worth. Her experiences at Lowood School, under the harsh regime of Mr. Brocklehurst, further strengthen her resolve. Despite the challenges, Jane’s moral compass remains intact, guiding her actions and decisions throughout the novel.

Search for Belonging: Jane’s journey is marked by a quest for belonging and love. Her sense of isolation and longing for a family are evident from her early years. At Lowood, she forms a deep bond with Helen Burns, whose stoic acceptance of suffering and unwavering faith leave a lasting impact on Jane. Her time at Thornfield Hall, where she becomes a governess and falls in love with Mr. Rochester, represents a significant phase in her quest. However, Jane’s discovery of Rochester’s existing marriage to Bertha Mason forces her to choose between her love for Rochester and her principles. This pivotal moment underscores Jane’s unwavering commitment to her moral beliefs.

Growth and Self-Discovery: Throughout the novel, Jane evolves from a passionate and somewhat rebellious child into a composed and self-assured woman. Her inheritance from her uncle provides her with financial independence, allowing her to return to Rochester on her own terms. Jane’s final reunion with Rochester, now blind and humbled by the fire that destroyed Thornfield, symbolizes her attainment of both emotional and moral fulfillment. By choosing a relationship based on mutual respect and equality, Jane embodies the novel’s themes of personal growth and self-discovery.

Edward Fairfax Rochester

Complex and Byronic Hero: Mr. Rochester, the master of Thornfield Hall, is a quintessential Byronic hero—brooding, passionate, and burdened by a dark past. His initial treatment of Jane is marked by a mix of curiosity and condescension, but he gradually reveals a deeper, more vulnerable side. Rochester’s complexity lies in his moral ambiguity; he is both a romantic figure and a deeply flawed individual.

Tormented Past: Rochester’s past, including his disastrous marriage to Bertha Mason and his subsequent guilt and despair, shapes his character. His attempts to find solace in relationships with women like Celine Varens, the mother of his ward, Adèle, further complicate his moral landscape. Rochester’s longing for genuine connection and redemption is evident in his relationship with Jane, who challenges and ultimately transforms him.

Redemption and Transformation: Rochester’s physical and emotional suffering following the fire at Thornfield serves as a form of redemption and transformation. His blindness and dependence on Jane shift the power dynamics in their relationship, allowing for a union based on equality and mutual respect. Rochester’s journey from a proud and tormented figure to a humbled and loving partner underscores the novel’s exploration of forgiveness, redemption, and the transformative power of love.

St. John Rivers

Ambitious and Duty-Driven: St. John Rivers, Jane’s cousin and the clergyman of the village of Morton, represents a contrasting form of male authority to Rochester. He is driven by a sense of duty and religious fervor, aspiring to become a missionary in India. St. John’s cold and austere demeanor, coupled with his repressed emotions, highlights his struggle between personal desires and his perceived obligations.

Contrast with Rochester: St. John’s proposal to Jane, which is based on duty rather than love, starkly contrasts with Rochester’s passionate love for her. Jane’s rejection of St. John’s proposal underscores her commitment to following her heart and maintaining her independence. St. John’s character serves to highlight Jane’s integrity and the novel’s critique of rigid, duty-bound morality.

Role in Jane’s Development: Despite his rigidity, St. John plays a crucial role in Jane’s development. His revelation of their familial connection and Jane’s subsequent inheritance provide her with financial independence and a sense of belonging. St. John’s influence also reinforces Jane’s determination to find a balance between duty and personal happiness.

Bertha Mason

Embodiment of the Gothic: Bertha Mason, Rochester’s first wife, is a pivotal but enigmatic character who embodies the Gothic elements of the novel. Her presence in the attic at Thornfield Hall symbolizes the hidden and repressed aspects of Victorian society, including issues of mental illness and the oppression of women.

Victim and Villain: Bertha is both a victim of her circumstances and a villain in the narrative. Her violent and erratic behavior results from her mental illness and the isolation imposed on her by Rochester. Her depiction raises questions about the treatment of mental illness and the moral implications of Rochester’s actions. Bertha’s tragic end, setting fire to Thornfield and perishing in the flames, serves as a dramatic turning point in the novel, leading to Rochester’s transformation and the eventual union between him and Jane.

Helen Burns

Symbol of Spiritual Strength: Helen Burns, Jane’s friend at Lowood School, represents a model of Christian forgiveness and spiritual strength. Her stoic acceptance of suffering and her faith in a higher power provide a stark contrast to Jane’s passionate resistance to injustice. Helen’s influence on Jane is profound, teaching her the value of endurance and inner peace.

Idealized Virtue: Helen’s character, though idealized, serves to highlight the harsh realities of life at Lowood and the broader social injustices of the time. Her death from consumption underscores the vulnerability of the innocent and the moral failings of those in power, such as the hypocritical Mr. Brocklehurst, who runs the school.

Mrs. Reed and the Reeds

Cruelty and Neglect: Mrs. Reed, Jane’s aunt by marriage, and her children, particularly John Reed, epitomize cruelty and neglect in Jane’s early life. Mrs. Reed’s resentment towards Jane, due to her husband’s affection for Jane, manifests in her harsh treatment and unjust punishments. John Reed’s bullying further contributes to Jane’s sense of isolation and misery at Gateshead.

Impact on Jane’s Psyche: The Reed family’s treatment of Jane shapes her early perceptions of herself and her place in the world. However, it also instills in her a fierce determination to assert her worth and seek a better life. Jane’s final confrontation with Mrs. Reed, where she forgives her aunt on her deathbed, signifies Jane’s growth and her ability to rise above past grievances.

Adèle Varens

Innocence and Connection: Adèle, Rochester’s ward, brings a touch of innocence and lightness to the otherwise dark and somber Thornfield Hall. Her relationship with Jane is warm and affectionate, highlighting Jane’s capacity for nurturing and care. Adèle’s presence also serves as a reminder of Rochester’s past indiscretions and the complexities of his character.

Role in the Narrative: Adèle’s role in the narrative is multifaceted. She represents Rochester’s sense of responsibility and his attempts at redemption. For Jane, Adèle offers a sense of familial connection and an opportunity to express her maternal instincts. Adèle’s development throughout the novel, from a somewhat spoiled child to a well-mannered young girl, reflects Jane’s positive influence.

Themes and Literary Significance

Social Class and Gender: “Jane Eyre” explores the rigid social class structures and gender roles of Victorian England. Jane’s rise from an orphaned child to an independent woman with financial and emotional agency challenges the traditional class hierarchy. Her insistence on being treated as an equal in her relationship with Rochester critiques the patriarchal norms of the time.

Love and Independence: The novel’s central theme is the balance between love and independence. Jane’s relationships with Rochester and St. John, as well as her internal conflicts, reflect her struggle to find a relationship that does not compromise her sense of self. Her eventual union with Rochester, after achieving financial independence and self-respect, embodies this balance.

Morality and Redemption: “Jane Eyre” delves into themes of morality, redemption, and forgiveness. Characters such as Rochester and Jane undergo significant moral growth, with the novel emphasizing the importance of inner integrity and the possibility of redemption through love and personal transformation.

Gothic and Romantic Elements: The novel’s Gothic elements, including the eerie Thornfield Hall, the mysterious figure of Bertha Mason, and the themes of madness and confinement, add to its dramatic and emotional intensity. These elements are interwoven with Romantic ideals of individualism, nature, and the sublime, creating a rich and layered narrative.

“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë is a profound exploration of love, independence, and moral integrity through its richly developed characters. Jane Eyre, with her resilience and unwavering sense of self, serves as a timeless heroine whose journey continues to resonate with readers. Rochester’s complexity, St. John’s duty-bound ambition, Bertha’s tragic embodiment of the Gothic, and Helen’s spiritual strength all contribute to a narrative that challenges social norms and explores the depths of human experience. Brontë’s masterful storytelling and deep psychological insights ensure that “Jane Eyre” remains a cornerstone of English literature, offering enduring lessons on the importance of self-respect, love, and moral courage.

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Jane Eyre Characters

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Jane Eyre — Jane Eyre: Complex Character in Development

Jane Eyre: Complex Character in Development

• Categories: Character Jane Eyre

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Words: 1470 |

Published: Jun 29, 2018

Words: 1470 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

Works Cited

• Brontë, C. (1847). Jane Eyre. Smith, Elder & Co.
• Gilbert, S. M., & Gubar, S. (1979). The Madwoman in the Attic: The Woman Writer and the Nineteenth-Century Literary Imagination. Yale University Press.
• Moglen, H. (2008). Charlotte Brontë: The Self Conceived. In H. Moglen (Ed.), Charlotte Brontë : The Self Conceived (pp. 3-22). University of Wisconsin Press.
• Sale, M. F. (2003). George Eliot and Charlotte Brontë: Shared Feminist Themes. Victorian Newsletter, 103, 17-20.
• Woolf, V. (1943). Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. In V. Woolf (Ed.), The Common Reader: First Series (pp. 158-176). Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

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