In Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte uses various characters to display aspects of passion and reason, forming a tension between the two. All of the other characters have aspects of Jane's personalities. Through a series of character foils, Bronte expresses her idea of self-development and growth through her characters by contrasting passion with reason. Throughout the book passion and reason, as well as their opposition and reconciliation, are consistent themes. Bronte is trying to show the journey of a woman striving for balance within her nature. .
In the novel, Bronte lets on that throughout one's lifetime they will encounter a number of people and experiences that will rise enough emotion in them to change their life. Mrs. Reed and her son John are evil characters who are very mean to Jane. They look down at her and say whatever they want to, despite the fact that they are being very hurtful. One day, after staying quiet for so long Jane lets her mean aunt know exactly what she thinks of her and declares she does not love her and dislike her more than anybody in the world except John Reed.
Helen shows Jane that she can let go of her anger through forgiveness and being the better person. Helen believes that God will be the ultimate judge and reward the good and punish the evil. Jane behaves like this when she visits her dying aunt and forgives her for all the cruelty. She is rewarded by finding out that she has a living uncle that loves her and will take care of her. .
Charlotte Bronte could be using the character of Jane to represent herself. Jane seems to represent her, with the other characters embodying other aspects of her, such as passion and reason. Bronte is trying to show the journey of a woman striving for balance within her nature by introducing characters that are extreme in personality that influence her character.
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