Jane Eyre: An Autobiography

Professor Michael S. Hart

Also known as Michael S. Hart

Originator of the Project Gutenberg concept of a freely shared electronic library. He produced and distributed Project Gutenberg eBooks for forty years with a loose network of volunteer support.

Jane Eyre

Also known as Jane · Miss Jane · Miss Eyre · Miss Jane Eyre · Janet · Jane Rochester · Mrs. Rochester · Jane Elliott

The narrator and protagonist, now an independently wealthy woman after inheriting from her uncle. She returns to find Thornfield ruined, reunites with the blind and injured Rochester at Ferndean, and marries him; she remains his companion and helps raise Adèle.

Mr. Rochester

Also known as the owner of Thornfield · Adèle’s guardian · Monsieur Edouard Fairfax de Rochester · Mr. Edward Rochester · Fairfax Rochester · Signior Eduardo · the Eastern emir · the man in Bridewell · Edward · master · future husband · lover · the late Mr. Edward · the blind tenant of the room

Jane’s beloved former employer and husband. Bertha’s death in the Thornfield fire left him blind and with one hand amputated; he lives at Ferndean, where Jane finds him and marries him. Two years later he regains partial sight in one eye, and they have a son.

the ostler at the Rochester Arms

Also known as the ostler

An unnamed worker at the inn who tells Jane that Thornfield Hall is two miles away and takes charge of her box while she visits the ruins.

the coachman carrying Jane to the Rochester Arms

Also known as the coachman

An unnamed coachman who brings Jane to the inn near Thornfield on her return journey.

the crows over Thornfield

Also known as the crows

Birds that fly above Thornfield as Jane approaches the mansion. Jane imagines them watching her survey the ruined house.

the host of the Rochester Arms

Also known as the host · the late Mr. Rochester’s butler

A middle-aged man who formerly served as Mr. Rochester’s butler and witnessed the Thornfield fire. He tells Jane that Bertha started the fire, died after jumping from the roof, and that Rochester survived but was blinded and injured.

Leah

Also known as the Thornfield maid · the house-maid

A Thornfield maid who liked Jane and told the former butler about her. She is among the servants who escaped the fire.

Bertha Mason

Also known as Mrs. Rochester · Rochester’s wife · the lunatic · the maniac · the mad-woman · the mad lady

Rochester’s wife, formerly confined at Thornfield. During the fire she escaped, set fire to the house, climbed onto the roof, and died after jumping from it.

the post-boy taking Jane to Ferndean

Also known as the post-boy

An unnamed driver who takes Jane from the Rochester Arms toward Ferndean; she dismisses him before the final mile and pays him extra.

John, the Thornfield coachman

Also known as John · the Thornfield coachman · Old John

Rochester’s longtime servant, who attends him at Ferndean with his wife and guides him when needed. He knew Rochester from boyhood and supports his marriage to Jane.

Mary, John’s wife

Also known as Mary · John’s wife · the housekeeper

John’s wife and housekeeper at Ferndean. She welcomes Jane, helps accommodate her, and later reacts calmly when Jane tells her she has married Rochester.

Pilot

Also known as the Newfoundland dog · the Gytrash-like dog

Rochester’s old dog at Ferndean. He recognizes Jane when she enters the parlour and joyfully greets her.

St. John Rivers

Also known as Mr. St. John · St. John · Mr. Rivers · St. John Eyre Rivers

Jane’s clergyman cousin, brother of Diana and Mary. Jane tells Rochester that St. John asked her to marry him as a suitable missionary’s wife, but she does not love him. He leaves for India as a missionary, remains unmarried, and continues his work there.

Rosamond Oliver

Also known as Miss Oliver · Miss Rosamond · Rosamond · the Rose of the World

The beautiful daughter of Mr. Oliver, whom St. John loves. Jane tells Rochester that St. John proposed to her because he considered her suited to missionary work, unlike Rosamond.

the parson at Jane and Rochester’s wedding

Also known as the parson

An unnamed clergyman who officiates at Jane and Rochester’s quiet wedding at Ferndean.

the clerk at Jane and Rochester’s wedding

Also known as the clerk

An unnamed church clerk who is present at Jane and Rochester’s quiet wedding.

Diana Rivers

Also known as Diana · Die

Jane’s cousin and sister of St. John and Mary. She approves of Jane’s marriage to Rochester and plans to visit her; she is married to Captain Fitzjames.

Mary Rivers

Also known as Mary

Jane’s cousin and sister of St. John and Diana. She approves of Jane’s marriage to Rochester and is married to Mr. Wharton, a clergyman and her brother’s college friend.

Adèle Varens

Also known as Adela Varens · Adèle · Adela · Miss Varens · Miss Fairfax · little Adèle · the child · the bairn

Jane’s young former pupil and Rochester’s ward. After Jane finds her unhappy at a strict school, she arranges a more suitable education nearby; Adèle grows into a happy, well-mannered companion to Jane and Rochester.

Captain Fitzjames

Also known as Diana’s husband

Diana Rivers’s husband, a gallant naval officer and good man who loves her.

Mr. Wharton

Also known as Mary’s husband

Mary Rivers’s husband, a clergyman and college friend of St. John, whom Jane describes as worthy of the family.

Rochester and Jane’s son

Also known as their first-born · the boy

Jane and Rochester’s first child. Rochester can see that the boy has inherited his large, brilliant black eyes.

the oculist in London

Also known as the eminent oculist

An unnamed eye specialist who advises Rochester after his sight begins to improve; Rochester eventually recovers partial sight in one eye.

the stranger who will report St. John’s death

Also known as the stranger’s hand

An unnamed person Jane expects will write to tell her that St. John has died in India.

Mr. Oliver

Also known as Papa

The wealthy proprietor of a needle factory and iron foundry, father of Rosamond Oliver. He and a lawyer arbitrate the division of Jane’s inheritance and support Jane’s position.

Hannah

Also known as the old servant · the housekeeper at Moor House

The long-serving Rivers family housekeeper, who helps Jane prepare Moor House for Diana and Mary’s return. She reports that a boy has come to fetch St. John to attend his dying mother.

the village-school pupils

Also known as the scholars · the girls

Individually unnamed girls taught by Jane at Morton. At the school’s closing, they show affection for her; Jane promises to visit and teach them weekly.

the poor lad sent to fetch St. John

Also known as the poor lad

An unnamed boy who comes to Moor House late at night to fetch St. John to see his dying mother at Whitcross Brow.

the dying mother at Whitcross Brow

Also known as the lad’s mother

An unnamed woman who is near death at her home on Whitcross Brow. Her son fetches St. John, who goes through the difficult night journey to attend her.

Carlo

Also known as the father’s old pointer

The old pointer dog formerly belonging to the Rivers’ father. He barks joyfully when Diana and Mary return to Moor House.

the driver bringing Diana and Mary home

Also known as the driver

An unnamed driver who brings Diana and Mary from Whitcross to Moor House and helps Hannah carry in their boxes.

Mr. Granby

A well-connected and respected resident of S——, grandson and heir to Sir Frederic Granby. He is to marry Rosamond Oliver, whom he met at a county ball.

Sir Frederic Granby

Mr. Granby’s grandfather, who gives S—— Place to the couple and has it refitted for their reception.

the married missionary whose wife needs a coadjutor

An unnamed missionary whom St. John proposes to approach about Jane assisting his wife. St. John suggests this as an alternative if Jane will not marry him.

Jesus

Also known as the Redeemer · the Head of that church-militant · my Master

The central figure of St. John’s Christian faith, whom he calls his infallible Master and whose missionary work he believes Jane should join.

Demas

A biblical figure invoked by St. John as an example of someone overcome by love of worldly gain; he uses Jane’s disinterest in wealth to argue for her suitability as a missionary.

St. Paul

Also known as Paul

The apostle whom St. John cites as an example of humility and acknowledged sinfulness.

the man from Macedonia

Also known as the visionary messenger

A biblical messenger whose call to help the people of Macedonia is recalled by Jane as she considers St. John’s appeal to join him in India.

Dives

A biblical rich man whom St. John invokes as a warning against choosing earthly comfort over spiritual duty.

the Apostle John

Also known as John

The biblical author of Revelation, whose vision of a new heaven and earth St. John reads aloud to the household.

the Lamb

A biblical title for Jesus in Revelation, whose light illuminates the holy city described in St. John’s reading.

the Rivers sisters’ uncle

Also known as our uncle John

The late maternal uncle of St. John, Diana, and Mary, and Jane’s paternal uncle. He was estranged from the Rivers family and left his twenty-thousand-pound fortune to Jane, with thirty guineas for mourning rings for the three Rivers siblings.

Alice Wood

Also known as the orphan from the workhouse

An orphan supported by Miss Oliver, who serves as Jane’s handmaid and helps with household and school duties.

the four new girls from Foundry Close

Also known as the new girls from the Foundry Close

Four unnamed girls expected to join Jane’s village school; Mr. Oliver pays for two of them.

Mary Garrett

Also known as Mary

A pupil at Jane’s village school whose mother has been ill; Mary returns to school after her mother improves.

Mary Garrett’s mother

An unnamed woman whose illness keeps her daughter Mary Garrett away from school until she recovers.

Jane’s father

Jane’s deceased father, a poor curate who married a rich woman against her family’s wishes. He died with his wife when Jane was an infant.

Jane’s mother

Also known as the rich man’s daughter · the Rivers siblings’ mother

Jane’s deceased mother, an Eyre and sister to the Rivers siblings’ mother. She married a poor curate against the wishes of her wealthy family and died shortly after Jane’s birth.

Mrs. Reed

Also known as Aunt Reed · Mrs. John Reed · Sarah Reed

Jane’s aunt by marriage and former guardian at Gateshead, who raised Jane for ten years before sending her to Lowood. She was also the Rivers siblings’ aunt by marriage.

John Eyre

Also known as Mr. Eyre · Jane’s paternal uncle · the Rivers sisters’ uncle

Jane’s wealthy uncle in Madeira and the Rivers siblings’ maternal uncle. He left his twenty-thousand-pound estate to Jane, his brother’s orphan daughter, rather than to the Rivers siblings.

Briggs

Also known as the solicitor

A solicitor who represents the late John Eyre and writes to St. John about the inheritance and Jane’s disappearance. He also seeks Jane after learning she is missing.

the successor to St. John at Morton

Also known as the successor

An unnamed clergyman expected to replace St. John at Morton before he leaves for missionary work; his arrival has been delayed.

the mounted livery servant

Also known as the livery servant

An unnamed servant who follows Rosamond Oliver on horseback when she visits Jane’s school.

the owner of the pony Rosamond rides

Also known as the pony

An unnamed pony ridden by Rosamond Oliver on her visits to Jane’s school.

the farmer and his wife

Also known as the farmers

Unidentified parents of some of Jane’s pupils who welcome her into their homes and show her kindness.

the orphan girl’s parents

The unnamed parents of the orphaned girl who became Jane’s handmaid; they do not appear directly.

the other relation who inherits from the Rivers’ uncle

Also known as the other relation

An unnamed relative of St. John, Diana, and Mary, no more closely related to their uncle than they are, who receives his fortune before Jane’s identity is discovered.

the rich maternal relations

Also known as the maternal relations

Jane’s unnamed wealthy relatives on her mother’s side, who take her in as an infant. Mrs. Reed raises her on their behalf.

the uncle of Jane’s father and St. John’s father

Also known as the poor curate’s father-in-law

An unnamed wealthy relative who disowns Jane’s mother after she marries a poor curate.

the farmer’s daughter who is Jane’s pupil

Also known as the pretty little cherub-like girl

An unnamed pupil of Jane’s whose portrait she sketches.

Marmion

The title character of the poem Jane reads during the snowstorm.

Lot’s wife

A biblical figure St. John invokes when advising Jane not to look back toward her former life.

the white human form in Jane’s dream

Also known as Jane’s mother · the white human form

A radiant figure in Jane’s dream who tells her, “My daughter, flee temptation.” Jane answers that she will; the apparition evokes her deceased mother.

Mrs. Fairfax

Also known as the housekeeper · Alice

The elderly Thornfield housekeeper, distantly connected to the Rochester family through her late husband. Jane silently bids her farewell while leaving Thornfield.

the coach driver who takes Jane from Thornfield

Also known as the driver · the coachman

An unnamed driver whose coach Jane flags down after fleeing Thornfield. He agrees to take her toward a distant place for the twenty shillings she has.

the coachman who leaves Jane at Whitcross

Also known as the coachman

An unnamed coachman who sets Jane down at Whitcross after two days, having taken her as far as her fare allowed. Jane has accidentally left her parcel in his coach.

the woman in the village shop

Also known as the shopkeeper

An unnamed shopkeeper in a village near Whitcross. She refuses Jane’s requests to exchange her handkerchief or gloves for bread.

the young woman at the neat house

An unnamed young woman who answers Jane’s knock at a tidy house and says they keep no servant; she cannot offer Jane work or help.

the housekeeper at the parsonage

Also known as the old woman at the parsonage

An unnamed elderly housekeeper at the parsonage near the village. She tells Jane that the clergyman is away at Marsh End after his father’s sudden death.

the farmer who gives Jane bread

Also known as the farmer

An unnamed farmer who gives Jane a thick slice of bread when she asks for food.

the little girl with the cold porridge

Also known as the girl

An unnamed child who gives Jane cold porridge after her mother tells her to give it to the beggar.

the mother of the little girl with the cold porridge

Also known as the voice within

An unnamed woman who tells her daughter to give Jane the porridge, saying the pig does not need it.

the Rivers sisters’ father

Also known as old Mr. Rivers · Mr. Rivers

The late father of St. John, Diana, and Mary Rivers, who died suddenly of a stroke shortly before Jane arrived at Moor House. He and his wife had lost much of the family’s money.

the Rivers sisters’ mother

Also known as the mistress

The late mother of St. John, Diana, and Mary Rivers, remembered as a great reader and scholar. Hannah says Mary resembled her.

the woman at the distant house who knits

Also known as the elderly woman at the window

An elderly woman Jane sees knitting in the kitchen of the house that proves to be Moor House. She is Hannah, the Rivers family’s longtime servant.

Franz

A character in the German passage Diana reads aloud, described as telling a dream after waking in terror.

old Daniel

Also known as Daniel

A character mentioned alongside Franz in the German passage Diana reads aloud.

the clergyman whose father has died

Also known as the clergyman at the parsonage

St. John Rivers, the clergyman serving the nearby parish. Jane learns at the parsonage that he is at Marsh End following his father’s sudden death.

the shop neighbours

Also known as the neighbours

Individually unidentified people who enter the village shop while Jane is there, and whose arrival makes her feel her seat is needed.

the drover

Also known as the man with the cows

An unnamed man seen with two cows near a heavily laden wagon while Jane is wandering the countryside.

the young woman who opens the door at a pretty house

An unnamed, mild-looking young woman who tells Jane that her household does not keep a servant and cannot find her employment.

the dangerous woman confined at Thornfield

Also known as the woman in the inner room · the murderess · the Fury · the strange woman · Bertha Mason · Mrs. Rochester

Mr. Rochester’s wife, Bertha Mason, whom he keeps in a concealed room at Thornfield under Grace Poole’s care. She is described as violent and mentally ill; she attacked Mr. Mason, tried to burn Rochester in his bed, and tore Jane’s wedding veil. She is the daughter of Jonas Mason and Antoinetta Mason, and sister of Richard Mason.

Grace Poole

Also known as Grace · Mrs. Poole

A Thornfield servant hired from Grimsby Retreat to watch over Bertha Mason. Rochester says she has generally been a good keeper, though lapses in her vigilance allowed Bertha to escape; she helps Rochester restrain Bertha.

Sophie

Also known as Adèle’s nurse · the bonne

Adèle Varens’s French nurse, who came with her from the Continent. She dresses Jane for the wedding and is asked to let Jane sleep in the nursery with Adèle.

the recently hired footman

Also known as one of Mr. Rochester’s lately hired servants · the footman

An unnamed footman newly hired at Thornfield. He answers Rochester’s bell, reports on the carriage and luggage, and checks that the clergyman is at the church.

Mr. Wood

Also known as the clergyman · the priest

The clergyman at the church near Thornfield. He stops the wedding ceremony when an objection is raised, then leaves after speaking with Mr. Rochester.

John Green

Also known as the clerk · the church clerk

The clerk at the church where Jane and Mr. Rochester are to be married. Rochester dismisses him when the ceremony is called off.

the two strangers at the churchyard

Also known as the strangers among the graves

Two unidentified visitors seen among the graves who enter the church ahead of Jane and Mr. Rochester. They are later revealed to be the solicitor Briggs and Richard Mason.

Damer de Rochester

Also known as Damer

A Rochester ancestor whose tomb is in the church where Jane’s wedding is interrupted. He was killed at Marston Moor during the civil wars.

Elizabeth, wife of Damer de Rochester

Also known as Elizabeth

The wife of Damer de Rochester, whose remains lie with his in the Rochester family tomb.

the churchyard rook

Also known as the rook

A rook flying around the church steeple as Jane and Mr. Rochester approach for their wedding.

Richard Mason

Also known as Mr. Mason · Mason · Richard · Mr. Mason’s client

Bertha Mason’s brother and Mr. Rochester’s former acquaintance. He confirms that Bertha is alive at Thornfield, where he saw her, and had urged Jane’s uncle to prevent her marriage to Rochester. He is returning to Madeira and then Jamaica.

Jonas Mason

Also known as Mr. Mason’s father · the West India planter and merchant

Bertha and Richard Mason’s father, a West Indian planter and merchant. He arranged for Bertha to marry Mr. Rochester and promised her a fortune of thirty thousand pounds, while concealing her family’s history of mental illness.

Antoinetta Mason

Also known as Antoinetta · Bertha’s mother · the Creole

Bertha Mason’s mother and Jonas Mason’s wife. Mr. Rochester says she was a Creole who was mentally ill and drank heavily.

the younger Mason brother

Also known as Bertha’s younger brother · the dumb idiot

An unnamed younger brother of Bertha and Richard Mason, whom Mr. Rochester describes as profoundly intellectually disabled. He is mentioned but does not appear.

the clergyman who speaks with Rochester

Also known as the clergyman

The clergyman who conducts the attempted wedding ceremony and reminds Mr. Rochester that he is in a sacred place. The text does not give him a name.

the coachman at Thornfield

Also known as the coachman

An unnamed driver who is told to wait with the carriage and luggage for Jane and Mr. Rochester after their wedding ceremony.

the keeper at Grimsby Retreat

Also known as Grace Poole’s son

Grace Poole’s unnamed son, who works as a keeper at Grimsby Retreat. Mr. Rochester says he can live at Thornfield with Grace and help care for Bertha during her violent episodes.

the solicitor’s clerk

Also known as Briggs’s clerk

An unnamed person associated with Briggs’s legal work; no specific action or further information about this person is given.

the surgeon at Thornfield

Also known as Mr. Carter the surgeon · Carter

A surgeon called to Thornfield after Mr. Rochester sprains his ankle and again when Mr. Mason is wounded. Rochester says Carter helped treat Mason and was one of only two people he trusted with the secret of Bertha’s confinement.

the young Mason sister’s brother

Also known as Richard Mason

The brother named in the marriage record as Bertha Antoinetta Mason’s sibling. The text establishes that he is Richard Mason, who confirms Bertha is alive at Thornfield.

Rowland Rochester

Also known as Mr. Rowland Rochester · Mr. Rowland

Mr. Rochester’s late elder brother, who died before their father and left Edward to inherit Thornfield. Their father intended the estate to go to Rowland and arranged for Edward to marry Bertha for her fortune.

Mr. Rochester’s father

Also known as Old Mr. Rochester

The late father of Edward and Rowland Rochester, described as avaricious and determined to keep the family property together. He arranged Edward’s marriage to Bertha for her fortune and concealed her family’s history of mental illness.

the younger brother of Bertha and Richard Mason

Also known as the younger brother

An unnamed younger son of Jonas and Antoinetta Mason, described by Mr. Rochester as a profoundly disabled person. He is mentioned as part of Bertha’s family history.

Giacinta

Also known as the Italian mistress

An Italian woman who became Mr. Rochester’s mistress after Céline Varens. Rochester describes her as handsome, unprincipled, and violent, and says he tired of her within three months.

Clara

Also known as the German mistress

A German woman who became Mr. Rochester’s mistress after Giacinta. Rochester describes her as handsome, honest, and quiet, but dull; he gave her money to establish herself in a business.

the five daughters of Mrs. Dionysius O’Gall

Individually unnamed girls whom Mr. Rochester says Jane could teach at Bitternutt Lodge in Connaught, Ireland. He raises the position as a possible new situation for Jane before revealing his love.

Mrs. Dionysius O’Gall

Also known as Mrs. O’Gall

A woman in Connaught, Ireland, whose five daughters Mr. Rochester proposes Jane could educate. She is mentioned as the prospective employer for a position Jane does not take.

the beggar-woman

An unnamed woman, pale and ragged, who comes up the walk at Thornfield with her young son. Jane gives them the money in her purse.

the beggar-woman’s little boy

An unnamed young boy who accompanies the beggar-woman to Thornfield, where Jane gives them money.

Mesrour

Also known as Mr. Rochester’s horse

Mr. Rochester’s horse, ridden by him when he returns to Thornfield in the rain with Pilot alongside.

the unknown child in Jane’s dreams

Also known as the little child · the infant

A small, weak child whom Jane dreams she must carry through darkness and storms. In her second dream she keeps carrying it through the ruins of Thornfield.

the stranger at Thornfield

Also known as Mr. Mason · Mason · Richard

Mr. Rochester’s old acquaintance, who arrives from Spanish Town, Jamaica, after living in the West Indies. A woman at Thornfield attacks and wounds him; after recovering enough to travel, he leaves England with the surgeon, urging Rochester to care for her.

the tall stranger’s driver

Also known as the driver of the post-chaise

An unnamed driver who brings Mr. Mason to Thornfield in a post-chaise and waits outside to take him away after his injury.

Blanche Ingram

Also known as Miss Ingram · the Honourable Blanche Ingram · Blanche · Donna Bianca

The beautiful, accomplished, and haughty daughter of the Dowager Lady Ingram and sister of Mary and Lord Ingram. She appears to be Mr. Rochester’s intended bride, though he uses that claim to tease Jane; she treats Jane with disdain.

the Dowager Lady Ingram

Also known as Lady Ingram · the Dowager

The proud and imposing mother of Blanche, Mary, and Lord Ingram. She criticizes governesses and disapproves of the guests’ decision to admit the fortune-telling gypsy.

Bessie Lee

Also known as Bessie · Mrs. Leaven

Jane’s former nurse at Gateshead, now married to coachman Robert Leaven and living at the lodge. She summons Jane to visit the ill Mrs. Reed, cares for her during the visit, and has three children with Robert.

Robert Leaven

Also known as Robert · the coachman

Bessie’s husband and coachman at Gateshead, where he has lived for years. He brings Jane to visit the seriously ill Mrs. Reed and reports John Reed’s death.

Martha Abbot

Also known as Martha · Abbot · Miss Abbot · Abbot the lady's-maid · the lady's-maid

A lady’s-maid at Gateshead Hall who helps restrain and punish Jane and regards her as deceitful and troublesome. Bessie once spoke with her about a dream that foretold trouble.

Bobby Leaven

Also known as Bobby

Bessie and Robert Leaven’s young son, about three years old, who accompanies Bessie when she visits Jane.

Jane Leaven

Also known as Bessie’s daughter

Bessie and Robert Leaven’s young daughter, named Jane. She is mentioned but does not appear directly.

John Reed

Also known as John · Master Reed · Jack

Jane’s cousin, who bullied her at Gateshead. After ruining his health and family fortune through gambling and dissolute company, he dies in London, reportedly by suicide.

Eliza Reed

Also known as Eliza · Miss Reed

Jane’s cousin and one of Mrs. Reed’s children. After their mother’s death, Eliza takes the veil and becomes superior of a convent she endows with her fortune.

Georgiana Reed

Also known as Georgiana · Miss Georgiana

Jane’s cousin and one of Mrs. Reed’s children. After her mother’s death, she makes an advantageous match with a wealthy, aging man of fashion.

Mr. Gibson

Also known as Georgiana and Eliza’s uncle

The brother of Mrs. Reed, who comes to Gateshead to arrange her burial and settle the family affairs. He invites Georgiana to London.

the doctor at Gateshead

Also known as the doctor

An unnamed doctor who attends Mrs. Reed after her stroke and believes she is unlikely to recover.

the hired nurse at Gateshead

Also known as the nurse

An unnamed nurse hired to attend Mrs. Reed. She sometimes slips out of the sickroom when no one is watching.

Helen Burns

Also known as Burns

Jane’s thoughtful, scholarly friend at Lowood, who died of consumption. Jane recalls Helen’s faith and her belief in the equality of disembodied souls while sitting beside the dying Mrs. Reed.

Lord Edwin Vere

Also known as Edwin Vere

An unnamed-to-Jane titled man whom Georgiana says she might have married. She accuses Eliza of spying on and informing against her, ruining her prospects.

the wealthy man of fashion

An unnamed, wealthy, aging man whom Georgiana Reed marries after her mother’s death.

the man whom Mr. Rochester imagines

A hypothetical worldly, dissipated man in Mr. Rochester’s story to Jane, who returns from years of exile seeking renewal and considers defying convention to marry a woman he loves.

the ladies and gentlemen visiting Thornfield

Also known as Mr. Rochester’s guests · the party from the Leas

The individually unnamed members of the visiting party from Mr. Eshton’s estate, who stay at Thornfield and take part in charades and fortune-telling. Several are identified by name elsewhere in the list.

Amy Eshton

Also known as Amy

The younger-looking, lively and childlike daughter of Mrs. Eshton. She chats with Adèle and Lord Ingram, takes part in a charade, and visits the fortune-telling gypsy with Louisa and Mary Ingram.

Louisa Eshton

Also known as Louisa

The elegant daughter of Mrs. Eshton and sister of Amy. She takes part in a charade, sings and plays music, and visits the fortune-telling gypsy with Amy and Mary Ingram.

Mrs. Colonel Dent

Also known as Mrs. Dent

The gentle, pale-haired wife of Colonel Dent, visiting Thornfield. She takes part in a charade and talks with Mrs. Eshton.

Mary Ingram

Also known as Mary · the Honourable Mary Ingram

The tall, quiet daughter of the Dowager Lady Ingram and sister of Blanche and Lord Ingram. She visits the fortune-telling gypsy with Amy and Louisa Eshton.

Lord Ingram

Also known as Old Lord Ingram’s son

The tall, handsome but listless brother of Blanche and Mary Ingram. He recalls childhood pranks with Blanche and flirts with Amy Eshton.

Henry Lynn

Also known as Henry

A lively young guest and son of Lady Lynn. He tries to speak French with Louisa Eshton and Adèle, and joins the younger guests’ excitement about the fortune-teller.

Frederick Lynn

Also known as Frederick

A dashing young guest and son of Lady Lynn. He shows Mary Ingram engravings from a book and urges the party to admit the fortune-telling gypsy.

Sir George Lynn

Also known as Sir George

A country gentleman visiting Thornfield, recently elected member for Millcote. He plays a role in one of the charades and discusses politics and county affairs with other guests.

Colonel Dent

A soldierly guest at Thornfield and husband of Mrs. Colonel Dent. He leads one side in the charades, encourages the guests to admit the fortune-telling gypsy, and discusses politics with Mr. Eshton.

Mr. Eshton

The magistrate of the district and husband of Mrs. Eshton. He discusses politics with Colonel Dent and threatens to put the fortune-telling gypsy in the stocks.

Theodore Brocklehurst

Also known as Theodore · Tedo

One of Mr. Brocklehurst’s children, mentioned by Blanche Ingram as her childhood partner in pranks against their governess and tutor Mr. Vining.

Miss Wilson

Also known as one of the Miss Wilsons

A former governess of Blanche and Mary Ingram, whom Blanche says she and Theodore Brocklehurst tormented. Blanche claims Miss Wilson fell in love with the tutor Mr. Vining; she does not appear directly.

Mr. Vining

Also known as whey-faced Mr. Vining · the parson in the pip

A former tutor of Blanche and Mary Ingram, whom Blanche and Theodore Brocklehurst persecuted. Blanche claims he and Miss Wilson fell in love; he is mentioned but does not appear directly.

Mrs. Grey

A former governess of Blanche and Mary Ingram, described by Blanche as coarse and unresponsive to the children’s pranks. She is mentioned but does not appear directly.

Madame Joubert

A former governess of Blanche and Mary Ingram, whom Blanche recalls driving to anger with disruptive pranks. She is mentioned but does not appear directly.

the footman who admits the gypsy

Also known as Sam · the footman

A Thornfield footman who reports that an old fortune-teller is in the servants’ hall and carries messages between her and the guests. He directs Jane to the library when the gypsy requests to see her.

the fortune-telling gypsy

Also known as the Sibyl · the old woman · the hag · the beldame · the gipsy

An apparent fortune-teller who demands to visit the guests one at a time and reads their faces. She is Mr. Rochester in disguise, using the interview with Jane to draw out her feelings and learn what she thinks about his possible marriage to Blanche Ingram.

the servant who has the nightmare

Also known as the excitable, nervous servant

An unnamed servant whom Mr. Rochester tells his guests had a nightmare after a scream and struggle in the upper storey. Jane recognizes this as a false explanation meant to calm the visitors.

the gentlemen who sit near Mr. Mason

Unidentified male guests who sit near Mr. Mason after his arrival and speak with him. Their conversation helps Jane learn that he is from Jamaica and knows Mr. Rochester.

the man in the first charade

Also known as the bridegroom in the charade

An unnamed performer who joins Miss Ingram in a silent wedding scene; Colonel Dent’s party guesses the word “Bride.”

the person at the well in the second charade

Also known as Eliezer in the charade

An unnamed performer who acts out the biblical figure Eliezer meeting Rebecca at a well and presenting her with jewelry.

Rebecca in the second charade

Also known as the Israelitish princess in the charade

An unnamed performer who acts out Rebecca at the well, receiving jewelry from Eliezer.

the fortune-teller’s acquaintance among the servants

An unnamed servant whom Mr. Rochester, while disguised as a gypsy, implies has told him about Jane’s habits. He does not identify this person.

the family’s housemaids and valets

Also known as the smart lady’s-maids · the dandy valets · the abigails

Individually unnamed servants who attend the visiting ladies and help bring costumes from Thornfield’s wardrobes for the charades.

the servants in the hall

Individually unnamed Thornfield servants who cannot persuade the fortune-telling gypsy to leave the servants’ hall.

the gipsy camp visitors

Also known as the party who proposed visiting Hay Common

Unidentified members of the Thornfield party who plan to visit a gypsy camp beyond Hay Common; the outing is postponed because of rain.

the inner-room voice

Also known as the low voice in the concealed room

An unidentified person who speaks to Mr. Rochester from the concealed room on Thornfield’s third storey. The text does not establish whether the voice belongs to Grace Poole or the confined woman.

Céline Varens

Also known as Mdlle. Varens · Céline

A French opera dancer and Adèle’s mother. Mr. Rochester says he supported her, discovered her with a young vicomte, and later took in Adèle after Céline abandoned the child and fled to Italy with a musician or singer.

the young vicomte

Also known as the vicomte · Céline Varens’s companion

An unnamed young nobleman and officer whom Mr. Rochester found with Céline Varens. Rochester later wounded him in the arm in a duel.

Céline’s chambermaid

Also known as the chamber-maid

An unnamed servant who enters Céline Varens’s room to light a lamp and then withdraws. She does not otherwise appear in the events.

the musician or singer who fled with Céline

Also known as the musician · the singer

An unnamed musician or singer with whom Céline Varens ran away to Italy after leaving Adèle. He is mentioned but does not appear directly.

the cook at Thornfield

Also known as John’s wife · the cook

An unnamed Thornfield servant, married to John the coachman. She helps with the busy preparations for Mr. Rochester’s guests and asks Grace Poole to come down for dinner.

the charwoman who speaks with Leah

Also known as the charwoman

An unnamed woman hired to help clean Thornfield before the guests arrive. She asks Leah about Grace Poole’s wages and position.

the agent at Thornfield

Also known as Mr. Rochester’s agent

An unnamed agent who calls at Thornfield wishing to see Mr. Rochester, prompting Adèle to interrupt his story.

Mrs. Eshton

A guest at Thornfield and mother of Amy and Louisa Eshton. She is described as still handsome and well-preserved.

Lady Lynn

A wealthy, haughty guest at Thornfield, about forty, who is mother to Henry and Frederick Lynn. She comments that Adèle is Mr. Rochester’s ward.

the man with Céline Varens

Also known as the cloaked man

An unnamed man whom Mr. Rochester says he saw leave a carriage with Céline Varens at her hotel. He does not appear directly in the present events.

the surgeon at Lowood

Also known as the surgeon

An unnamed medical practitioner called to attend someone at Lowood; his pony is recognized by Jane and Mary Ann.

the Gytrash

Also known as North-of-England spirit

A spirit from Bessie’s tales said to haunt lonely roads in the form of a horse, mule, or large dog. Jane briefly mistakes Mr. Rochester’s dog for one.

the Gytrash-like dog in Jane’s mistaken sighting

Also known as the great dog in the lane

A large black-and-white dog Jane sees running beside Mr. Rochester’s horse on the lane. It is Pilot, though Jane recognizes him by name only after he arrives at Thornfield.

the horse that Mr. Rochester rides

Also known as Mr. Rochester’s horse

A tall, spirited horse ridden by Mr. Rochester that slips on ice in Hay Lane and throws him. Its groaning prompts Pilot to bark.

the tenants at Thornfield

Also known as some of his tenants

Unidentified tenants who come to Thornfield to speak with Mr. Rochester about business.

the gentleman caller from Millcote or the neighbourhood

Also known as one of the gentlemen callers

An unnamed gentleman who visits Mr. Rochester at Thornfield and attends a public meeting at Millcote.

the woman who appears in Mr. Rochester’s vision

Also known as the hag

A hag-like figure Mr. Rochester imagines beside a beech tree as he describes struggling with his feelings about Thornfield. She is compared to the witches in Macbeth.

Miss Scatcherd

A severe Lowood teacher who teaches history and grammar and repeatedly punishes Helen Burns. She binds a humiliating label to Helen’s forehead as punishment.

Mr. Lloyd

Also known as the apothecary

The apothecary who attended Jane after her collapse at Gateshead. His written confirmation of Jane’s account helps clear her of the charges against her at Lowood.

Mary Ann Wilson

Also known as Mary Ann

A shrewd, observant Lowood pupil and Jane’s companion during the spring outbreak. She is witty and original, enjoys telling Jane stories, and accompanies her on walks.

Mr. Bates

The surgeon called to Lowood late one evening to attend Helen Burns.

the nurse attending Helen

Also known as the nurse

An unnamed nurse who cares for Helen in Miss Temple’s room and tells Jane that Helen is gravely ill. She later carries Jane back to the dormitory after finding her asleep beside Helen’s body.

Helen’s father

Also known as Helen Burns’s father

Helen’s only close family, whom she says has recently remarried and will not greatly miss her after her death.

Helen’s stepmother

Also known as Helen’s father’s new wife

An unnamed woman mentioned by Helen as her father’s recent wife; she does not appear directly.

the new Lowood housekeeper

Also known as the successor to Mrs. Harden

An unnamed woman who succeeds the former housekeeper during the typhus outbreak. Previously matron at the Lowton Dispensary, she provides the healthy pupils with more generous food.

the Rev. Mr. Nasmyth

Also known as Mr. Nasmyth

The clergyman who marries Miss Temple and takes her away to live in a distant county.

Miss Gryce

A heavy Welsh Lowood teacher who shares a room with Jane and keeps her awake with prolonged small talk before falling asleep snoring.

the Lowood superintendent after Miss Temple

Also known as the new superintendent

An unnamed woman who succeeds Miss Temple as superintendent. She permits Jane to go to Lowton and helps her obtain permission and references for a new position.

the Lowton postmistress

Also known as the old dame at the post-office

An unnamed elderly woman who keeps the Lowton post-office and gives Jane the reply to her advertisement.

the carrier

An unnamed man expected to collect Jane’s packed trunk and take it to Lowton.

the messenger at Lowood

Also known as the servant who summons Jane

An unnamed servant who tells Jane that someone has come to see her shortly before she leaves Lowood.

the inn waiter

Also known as the waiter

An unnamed waiter at the George Inn in Millcote who tells Jane that someone is waiting for her.

the Thornfield driver

Also known as the driver

An unnamed man who collects Jane at the Millcote inn and drives her by carriage to Thornfield.

Adèle’s mother

Also known as mama

Adèle’s deceased mother, who taught her to dance, sing, and recite poetry and entertained visitors with her performances. Adèle says she has gone to the Holy Virgin.

Madame Frédéric

A woman who cared for Adèle after her mother’s death. She is not related to Adèle and is described by the child as poor.

Madame Frédéric’s husband

Also known as Mr. Frédéric

The unnamed husband of Madame Frédéric, mentioned by Adèle as living with his wife when she cared for her.

the man at the woodland cottage

An unnamed man who lives in a lonely cottage in the woods and keeps a herd of half-wild swine with a woman.

the woman at the woodland cottage

An unnamed woman who lives with the man at the woodland cottage and helps look after his herd of half-wild swine.

the young lord

An unnamed young nobleman who fell in love with Georgiana Reed in London and planned to elope with her before they were discovered and stopped.

Mrs. Reed’s maid

Also known as housemaid

An unnamed servant at Gateshead who helped take Jane to the red-room after her fight with John Reed.

Mr. Reed

Also known as Uncle Reed

Jane’s deceased uncle, who made Mrs. Reed promise to raise Jane. Jane explains to Miss Temple that he left her in his wife’s care.

Mr. Brocklehurst

Also known as Mr. Brocklehurst of Lowood

Lowood’s treasurer and manager, who enforces harsh austerity and publicly calls Jane a liar based on Mrs. Reed’s account. He also orders pupils’ hair cut for being too elaborate and condemns Miss Temple for providing food after a spoiled breakfast.

Miss Temple

Also known as Maria Temple

Lowood’s kind and capable superintendent. She welcomes Jane, provides food when the pupils’ meals are inadequate, promises to investigate Jane’s defense, and supports and teaches Helen Burns.

Miss Miller

A Lowood under-teacher who supervises classes and prayers and treats the pupils’ meals and lessons with care. She praises Jane’s progress.

the porter’s wife

An unnamed woman at Gateshead’s porter’s lodge, present when Jane leaves for Lowood and surprised she is traveling alone.

the coach guard

Also known as Jane’s protector

An unnamed guard who escorts Jane on the coach journey from Gateshead to Lowood, helps her at an inn, and hands her over to a Lowood servant.

the Lowood receiving servant

Also known as Jane’s new guide

An unnamed servant who meets Jane when the coach reaches Lowood and leads her into the school.

the Lowood French teacher

An unnamed elderly French teacher at Lowood, later identified as Madame Pierrot; she teaches French and is described as foreign-looking.

Miss Smith

A Lowood teacher who supervises sewing and teaches Jane practical work. She also speaks to Jane about her school experience and skills.

the monitor who orders Helen to tidy her drawer

Also known as the monitor

An unnamed, large pupil with a strong Cumberland accent who orders Helen Burns to put her drawer in order and threatens to report her to Miss Scatcherd.

Julia Severn

Also known as Julia

A Lowood pupil whose hair curls naturally. Mr. Brocklehurst singles her out and demands that her hair be cut off.

the two visiting Misses Brocklehurst

Also known as the Misses Brocklehurst

Mr. Brocklehurst’s two younger daughters, who visit Lowood with their mother and react with horror when he denounces Jane.

Naomi Brocklehurst

Also known as Mrs. Brocklehurst

Mr. Brocklehurst’s wife and the mother of his children. She funded the new part of Lowood Institution and visits the school with her daughters.

the elder Miss Brocklehurst

The elder of the two younger Brocklehurst daughters who visit Lowood; she is described as about seventeen and dressed fashionably.

the younger Miss Brocklehurst

The younger of the two Brocklehurst daughters who visit Lowood; she is described as about sixteen and dressed fashionably.

Mrs. Harden

Lowood’s housekeeper, who sends the usual limited amount of bread and butter for Miss Temple’s tea.

Barbara

A servant at Lowood who brings tea to Miss Temple’s room and serves Jane and Helen.

the archdeacon

A friend of Mr. Brocklehurst with whom Brocklehurst prolongs his stay away from Lowood.

Charles I

Also known as Charles the First

The king Helen discusses in a history lesson, reflecting on his conduct and expressing pity for him after his execution.

Felix

A figure Jane recalls when describing how she puts off thinking deeply about Helen’s ideas.

the girls of Lowood

Also known as the pupils · the charity-children

The individually unnamed pupils at Lowood, girls who have lost one or both parents and whose education is partly funded by subscriptions. They endure inadequate food and cold conditions under Mr. Brocklehurst’s management.

the four monitors

Also known as monitors

Unidentified senior pupils at Lowood who collect books and serve food trays; one later threatens to report Helen Burns.

Ahab

A king used in the preface as an example of someone who rejected truthful prophecy and listened to flattery.

Micaiah

Also known as son of Imlah

A prophet cited in the preface for speaking unwelcome truth to the kings of Judah and Israel.

son of Chenaanah

A sycophantic prophet mentioned in the preface as someone Ahab may have preferred to Micaiah.

Jesus Christ

Also known as Christ

Invoked in the preface as the figure whose world-redeeming creed should not be confused with narrow human doctrines.

Henry Fielding

Also known as Fielding

An author whom critics compare to Thackeray; the preface argues that Thackeray's serious genius sets him apart.

Mrs. Reed's maid

Also known as housemaid

An unnamed servant who helps take Jane to the red-room after her fight with John Reed.

Mr. Miles

John Reed's schoolmaster, mentioned as believing John would do well if fewer cakes and sweets were sent from home.

Sarah

A housemaid at Gateshead who joins Bessie in the nursery after Jane's collapse; Jane overhears them speculating about what happened in the red-room.

Jane's father

Jane's deceased father, a poor clergyman who married her mother against her family's wishes. He contracted typhus while visiting the poor, and Jane's mother caught the illness from him.

Jane's mother

Jane's deceased mother, who married her father against her family's wishes and died of typhus within a month of him.

Grandfather Reed

Jane's maternal grandfather, who cut her mother off without an inheritance after she married beneath her station.

Augusta Brocklehurst

Also known as Augusta

Mr. Brocklehurst's second daughter, who visited Lowood with her mother and disparaged the pupils' plain appearance.

Broughton Brocklehurst

Also known as Master Broughton Brocklehurst

A child of Mr. Brocklehurst, mentioned by Mrs. Reed in her farewell.

Martha G——

Also known as the child in the Child's Guide

A child in a tract Mr. Brocklehurst gives Jane, described in its title as having died suddenly after a life of lying and deceit.

Bessie’s former young ladies

Unidentified young women from a family where Bessie previously worked; she describes their schooling and accomplishments to Jane.

Goldsmith

Also known as Oliver Goldsmith

The author of a history of Rome that Jane has read; she draws on it when comparing John Reed to Roman emperors.

Nero

A Roman emperor Jane recalls from her reading as a comparison for John Reed's cruelty.

Caligula

A Roman emperor Jane recalls from her reading as a comparison for John Reed's cruelty.

the robin

Also known as hungry robin

A small bird that chirps outside the nursery window; Jane scatters crumbs for it.