Mr. Rochester's unorthodox love for Jane catches even her off guard. His love for a woman, who is physically plain, yet mentally deep, shows that he's not shallow. Furthermore, Jane not only works for him and is of lower class, but is also poor; therefore, in loving her and proposing to her, he proves that he isn't worried about what other people think of him. Moreover, Rochester is exceedingly caring of the ones he loves. One such example is when he discovers that Bertha had snuck into Jane's room at night; he shudders at the thought of what could have happened to her. Finally, caring for Bertha, despite her insane state, exemplifies his humane personality.
Blanche Ingram
Greedy and superficial, Blanche is a wealthy member of the upper class, who scorns Jane for looking plain and for her “dependant” status. She seems to love Mr. Rochester, but in reality, it is only his money she seeks. When Rochester spreads a rumor that his fortune is only one third of what is supposed, Miss Ingram instantly ceases to like him, consequently proving that it was out of pure greed that she wanted to wed him. Mr. Rochester had only been feigning his desire to marry her in order to make Jane jealous. This fails to work, however, because Jane believes that she is superior to Blanche; therefore, she doesn't see a reason to be jealous.
Bertha Mason
As a youth, Mr. Rochester's father and brother suggest that he marry Bertha Mason due to the large fortune which he would acquire. They don't tell him, though, that a history of insanity runs in her blood. Her mother, who Edward believes to be dead, is actually living in an insane asylum. Rochester and Bertha never become thoroughly familiar with each other before he makes the quick decision to marry her, mistaking the feelings he holds for her as true love. Bertha then turns mad soon after their wedding. Her insanity can be considered a consequence for his quick and greedy action of marrying her. He suffers the consequences for his greed, as his marriage is a terrible mistake; it affects not only his future happiness, but Jane's thoughts of him as well. Although Jane and Rochester eventually marry, it is because of Bertha's existence that Jane originally flees Thornfield Hall.
St. John Rivers
St John Rivers serves as a foil character to Edward Rochester. Mr. Rochester is emotional, and described as “fiery” by Jane, whereas St. John is distant, cold, ambitious, unemotional, and he doesn't reveal his feelings openly. Exceptionally religious, he is highly dedicated to his career as a minister in Morton; however, he still intends to leave for India to be a missionary as soon as possible. Like Mr. Rochester, he also proposes to Jane, his cousin. A marriage between him and Jane would give her the opportunity to make a larger difference in the world than she could make otherwise. However, this benefit comes with a downside- to wed him would mean to abandon love and passion. Jane can't give up this essential requirement of her heart, so she refuses his proposal.
Diana Rivers
Diana's kind and selfless disposition accounts for the care she gives Jane while Jane is ill. Similar to Jane, Diana Rivers holds a career as a governess as well. They both are also very knowledgeable and interested in learning. Diana is Jane's cousin, but she additionally serves as Jane's role model. She is handsome, a good leader, and independent. According to the novel, Jane contemplates, “If in our trio there was a superior and a leader, it was Diana.” (Chapter 30, pg 406)
Mary Rivers
Also holding a career as a private governess, Mary Rivers has much in common with her sister, Diana, and her cousin, Jane. The many traits shared between those three relatives make them inseparable. Thinking about Mary and her sister, Jane reflects, “Our natures dovetailed, mutual affection of the strongest kind was the result.” (Chapter 30, pg 406) Jane admires her, too, for being an independent woman, who is able to provide for herself; this further proves that women are equal to men.
