Jane Eyre Character Synopsis

Jane Eyre Main Character of the story Considered “Plain” by all who know her –NEVER described as beautiful –Orphaned as an infant, so her mother’s brother (Her Uncle) took her in. Lives with her Aunt Reed and Cousins: John, Eliza, and Georgiana. –Emotionally and physically abused by John No real friends until she moves to Lowood at the age of 10.

Words to Describe Jane Plain Isolated Lonely Loving (to a selected group of people) Strong Faithful (in the end)

Mrs. Reed Jane’s Aunt, who hates her –Adores her own children, but allows them to attack and pick on Jane –They can do no wrong, even when caught in a lie ANY problem in the household is Jane’s fault-no question about it. Decides to send Jane away and absolves herself from any connection to her

Words to Describe Mrs. Reed Dictatorial Cruel Rude Arrogant Mean-Hearted Self-Centered/Conceited Lazy Sinister

John Reed Jane’s Cousin (Mrs. Reed’s son) –The oldest of 3 children, and the only boy –Will inherit the Reed $ He is violently abusive to Jane and other things (animals, people), and gets away with everything. A truly obese kid who is disgusting to all that see him.

Words to Describe John Reed Obese Disgusting Violent Abusive Indulgent Hateful Scoundrel Shady

Eliza and Georgiana Reed Jane’s Cousins Eliza-very smart and shrewd. –Miser with her money, but quick witted Georgiana-beautiful little pampered doll –Blonde hair with big blue eyes

Words to Describe Eliza and Georgiana Eliza: –Shrewd (smart with $) –Direct –Cold –Brisk Georgiana –Beautiful –Conceited –Pampered –Plump

Mr. Brockelhurst Minister who runs Lowood School for Girls Has a wife and two daughters Is told by Mrs. Reed that Jane is dishonest, and believes it. Also believes that Jane is ‘in league’ with Satan, and humiliates her at school in front of the other girls Uses God to justify his treatment of the girls

Words to Describe Mr. Brockelhurst Cruel Hypocritical Greedy Shallow Unreasonable Strict Grim

Miss Temple Head Mistress at Lowood Protects Jane from Brockelhurst Is Helen Burns’ idol Attempts to teach Jane forgiveness of her aunt and family Opposite character of Mr. Brockelhurst

Words to Describe Miss Temple Kind Loving A mother figure Pretty Serene Compassionate

Helen Burns Jane’s true friend Teaches Jane true forgiveness Always Sickly Very understanding and forgiving of others –Sure that people have reasons for their actions Symbol of Jesus Christ in the novel-She is the Christ Figure

Words to Describe Helen Burns Christ-like Forgiving Understanding Compassionate Loving Accepting of all no matter what their background and actions

Mr. Rochester Main Male Protaganist Owner of Thornfield Hall and caretaker of Adele Varenes. Jane begins to fall in love with him

Words to Describe Rochester Ugly Brooding Sarcastic Intelligent Haunted (by his past) Demanding

St. John Rivers Minister Has 2 sisters Jane loves Wants to be a missionary in India Is in love with a wealthy girl

Words to Describe St. John Proud Demanding Confident Inconsiderate Helpful Kind