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If you’re looking for lovable male characters, don’t read Jane Eyre. Oh, it’s not that Charlotte Brontë had it out for men, but she did have a point to make. What point would that be? Get to know Jane Eyre’s cast of characters and draw your own conclusions.

Video Transcription:

Jane Eyre’s cast divides easily into three categories: weak women, strong women, and unenlightened men. More on that in a moment.

Why would Charlotte Bronte—an author who clearly saw what women had to offer—create weak, unappealing characters like Jane’s superficial cousins, Georgiana and Eliza, her frivolous student, Adele, and the lovely (but shallow) Rosamond?

Perhaps because she wanted to be sure that the strong, enlightened women in her story stood out. And I’m not just talking about independent, fiery Jane. There are quite a few other women in Jane Eyre who should make all you girls out there proud to be women.

Helen, Jane’s friend from the orphanage, is intelligent and passionate. Miss Temple, Jane’s favorite teacher, is smart, lovely, and kind. And Diana and Mary, Jane’s cousins, are brilliant, strong, and well-educated.

Of course, these women aren’t just a contrast to the weaker women in the story; they’re also a contrast to the men. Like hypocritical Mr. Brocklehurst, cold and controlling St. John, and possessive Mr. Rochester.

Sorry, guys. I don’t think Bronte had it out for men, but she did have a point to make.