Character Analysis — Supporting Characters

While Jane dominates the novel, the supporting characters serve essential dramatic, thematic, and structural functions. Understanding their roles — and how they relate to Jane — is key to a sophisticated GCSE response.

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Character Relationship Map

                MRS REED
               (oppressor)
                  |
              childhood
                  |
             JANE EYRE
            /    |     \
     Rochester  Helen   St John
     (love)    (faith)  (duty)
        |                  |
     Bertha             Diana &
     Mason              Mary Rivers
     (foil /            (true family)
      double)
        |
     Blanche
     Ingram
     (foil to Jane)

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Edward Rochester — The Byronic Hero

Rochester is the novel's central male figure — a complex, morally flawed character who serves as both Jane's romantic interest and her greatest temptation.

Rochester as a Byronic hero

The Byronic hero (named after Lord Byron) is a literary type characterised by: