BookBrief Logo
Becoming Jane
Goodreads ratings
4.11 / 5

"Becoming Jane" Characters Analysis

By Kevin Hood

historical fiction | Published in 2008

ISBN_13: 9781405867672

Estimated read time: 11 min read

List of Characters

Character NameRole
Jane AustenProtagonist
Tom LefroyLove Interest
Cassandra AustenSister and Confidant
Mrs. AustenMother
Mr. AustenFather
Lady GreshamAristocratic Friend
Reverend AustenUncle and Mentor
Lucy LefroyTom's Sister
Lady Anne LefroyTom's Aunt
Mr. WisleyPotential Suitor

Role Identification

Jane Austen

Jane Austen is the protagonist of "Becoming Jane." The story revolves around her journey as a young woman aspiring to become a successful writer during the late 18th century.

Tom Lefroy

Tom Lefroy plays the role of the love interest in the novel. He is a charming and intelligent law student with whom Jane develops a deep connection.

Cassandra Austen

Cassandra Austen is Jane's sister and confidant. She provides emotional support and advice throughout Jane's journey.

Mrs. Austen

Mrs. Austen is Jane's mother. She is a caring and protective figure who wishes for her daughters to find suitable husbands.

Mr. Austen

Mr. Austen is Jane's father. He is a supportive and understanding father who encourages Jane's writing ambitions.

Lady Gresham

Lady Gresham is an aristocratic friend of the Austen family. She represents the societal expectations and pressures placed upon young women like Jane.

Reverend Austen

Reverend Austen is Jane's uncle and mentor. He encourages her literary pursuits and provides guidance on matters of the heart.

Lucy Lefroy

Lucy Lefroy is Tom's sister. She is initially skeptical of Jane's intentions towards her brother but eventually becomes a supportive friend.

Lady Anne Lefroy

Lady Anne Lefroy is Tom's aunt. She disapproves of his relationship with Jane, considering her to be of a lower social standing.

Mr. Wisley

Mr. Wisley is a potential suitor for Jane. He is a wealthy and respectable gentleman who contrasts with Tom's passionate nature.

Character Descriptions

Jane Austen

Jane Austen is a young woman in her early twenties. She is intelligent, witty, and fiercely independent. Her physical appearance is described as having a lively and expressive face, with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.

Tom Lefroy

Tom Lefroy is a handsome and charismatic young man. He is described as tall, with a strong build and a charming smile. His mannerisms exude confidence and intelligence.

Cassandra Austen

Cassandra Austen is Jane's older sister. She is depicted as a kind-hearted and sensible woman with a warm smile and a calm demeanor.

Mrs. Austen

Mrs. Austen is a middle-aged woman with a caring and motherly presence. She is described as having a gentle smile and a nurturing nature.

Mr. Austen

Mr. Austen is a middle-aged man with a friendly and wise countenance. He is often portrayed with a twinkle in his eye, suggesting a playful nature.

Lady Gresham

Lady Gresham is an elegant and sophisticated woman in her forties. She is described as having a regal posture and a discerning gaze.

Reverend Austen

Reverend Austen is an elderly man with a kind and gentle demeanor. He is often portrayed with a thoughtful expression and a wise smile.

Lucy Lefroy

Lucy Lefroy is a young woman in her late teens. She is depicted as having a lively and curious nature, with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Lady Anne Lefroy

Lady Anne Lefroy is an aristocratic woman in her fifties. She is described as having a stern and judgmental expression, with a regal air about her.

Mr. Wisley

Mr. Wisley is a refined and reserved man in his thirties. He is often portrayed with a polite smile and an air of sophistication.

Character Traits

Jane Austen

  • Intelligent
  • Witty
  • Independent
  • Passionate
  • Observant
  • Determined

Tom Lefroy

  • Charming
  • Intelligent
  • Passionate
  • Confident
  • Adventurous
  • Rebellious

Cassandra Austen

  • Kind-hearted
  • Sensible
  • Supportive
  • Calm
  • Patient
  • Reliable

Mrs. Austen

  • Caring
  • Nurturing
  • Protective
  • Traditional
  • Loving
  • Supportive

Mr. Austen

  • Friendly
  • Wise
  • Playful
  • Supportive
  • Understanding
  • Encouraging

Lady Gresham

  • Elegant
  • Sophisticated
  • Judgemental
  • Discerning
  • Influential
  • Traditional

Reverend Austen

  • Kind
  • Gentle
  • Wise
  • Supportive
  • Thoughtful
  • Mentor

Lucy Lefroy

  • Lively
  • Curious
  • Mischevious
  • Supportive
  • Playful
  • Adventurous

Lady Anne Lefroy

  • Stern
  • Aristocratic
  • Judgmental
  • Traditional
  • Disapproving
  • Class-conscious

Mr. Wisley

  • Refined
  • Reserved
  • Polite
  • Sophisticated
  • Wealthy
  • Respectable

Character Background

Jane Austen

Jane Austen comes from a modest background as the daughter of a clergyman. She is passionate about writing and dreams of becoming a successful author. Jane is known for her sharp wit and observations of the society around her.

Tom Lefroy

Tom Lefroy is the nephew of Lady Anne Lefroy and comes from a wealthy and aristocratic family. Despite his privileged background, Tom is fascinated by Jane's intelligence and wit. He struggles with societal expectations and his own desires.

Cassandra Austen

Cassandra Austen is Jane's older sister and closest confidant. She shares a strong bond with Jane and supports her ambitions as a writer. Cassandra is also seeking her own path in life, navigating the challenges of societal expectations.

Mrs. Austen

Mrs. Austen is a loving and traditional mother who wants the best for her daughters. She hopes to see them married to respectable gentlemen and worries about their future.

Mr. Austen

Mr. Austen is a supportive father who encourages Jane's writing pursuits. He understands her passion and sees her talent as a potential path to success and fulfillment.

Lady Gresham

Lady Gresham is an influential figure in the social circles of the Austen family. She embodies the expectations and pressures placed upon young women to conform to societal norms and marry well.

Reverend Austen

Reverend Austen is Jane's uncle and mentor. He recognizes Jane's talent and provides guidance and support on her writing journey. His own love story serves as inspiration for Jane's understanding of romance.

Lucy Lefroy

Lucy Lefroy is Tom's younger sister and becomes a close friend and confidant of Jane. She starts off skeptical of Jane's intentions but eventually realizes the depth of her brother's feelings for Jane.

Lady Anne Lefroy

Lady Anne Lefroy is Tom's aunt and plays a significant role in his life. She disapproves of Tom's relationship with Jane, believing that a match with Jane would be beneath his social status.

Mr. Wisley

Mr. Wisley is a wealthy and respectable gentleman who becomes a potential suitor for Jane. He offers security and stability but lacks the passionate connection she feels with Tom.

Character Arcs

Jane Austen

Jane Austen's character arc in "Becoming Jane" revolves around her pursuit of love and her aspirations as a writer. Throughout the story, she experiences the highs and lows of romance, ultimately finding inspiration for her own novels. She learns to balance her desire for love and independence, paving the way for her future success as a renowned author.

Tom Lefroy

Tom Lefroy's character arc centers around his internal conflict between societal expectations and his love for Jane. He initially resists his feelings for Jane due to their differing social statuses but eventually embraces their connection, challenging the conventions of his time. Tom's journey highlights the sacrifices and choices individuals face when pursuing true love.

Cassandra Austen

Cassandra Austen's character arc explores her own journey of self-discovery and navigating societal expectations. As Jane's sister and confidant, she provides unwavering support and offers guidance. Cassandra learns to balance her own desires with the responsibilities placed upon her, finding her own path to happiness and fulfillment.

Mrs. Austen

Mrs. Austen's character arc revolves around her role as a mother and her hopes for her daughters' futures. She learns to let go of her fears and trust in her daughters' ability to make their own choices, ultimately understanding the importance of their happiness and fulfillment.

Mr. Austen

Mr. Austen's character arc focuses on his support for Jane's writing ambitions. He encourages her to pursue her passion and provides guidance and wisdom along the way. Mr. Austen's belief in Jane's talent and his unwavering support shape her journey as a writer.

Lady Gresham

Lady Gresham's character arc highlights the societal pressures and expectations placed upon young women during the era. She represents the traditional views and class-conscious attitudes that Jane must navigate and challenge. Lady Gresham's role serves as a catalyst for Jane's growth and determination to break free from societal constraints.

Reverend Austen

Reverend Austen's character arc revolves around his role as Jane's mentor and inspiration. His own love story serves as a guiding force for Jane's understanding of romance. Reverend Austen's wisdom and support shape Jane's character and give her the courage to pursue her dreams.

Lucy Lefroy

Lucy Lefroy's character arc involves her initial skepticism towards Jane's intentions with her brother, Tom. However, as their friendship grows, Lucy becomes a loyal friend and ally, supporting Jane in her journey towards love and self-discovery.

Lady Anne Lefroy

Lady Anne Lefroy's character arc portrays her unwavering adherence to social conventions and her disapproval of Tom's relationship with Jane. She represents the obstacles and judgments Jane must overcome to pursue her love for Tom.

Mr. Wisley

Mr. Wisley's character arc revolves around his pursuit of Jane's hand in marriage. As a potential suitor, he offers stability and security. However, his character serves as a contrast to the passionate connection Jane feels with Tom, highlighting the importance of love and personal fulfillment in her life.

Relationships

Jane Austen and Tom Lefroy

Jane and Tom's relationship forms the central romance of the story. They share a deep connection based on their shared love for literature and their mutual understanding of societal constraints. Their relationship challenges the conventions of the time and inspires Jane's future writing.

Jane Austen and Cassandra Austen

Jane and Cassandra have a close and supportive sisterly bond. They confide in each other, providing emotional support and advice throughout their respective journeys. Cassandra serves as a pillar of strength for Jane, encouraging her dreams and offering guidance.

Jane Austen and Mrs. Austen

Jane and her mother have a loving but complex relationship. Mrs. Austen wants the best for her daughter and worries about her future. Their relationship is characterized by a delicate balance between tradition and Jane's desire for independence.

Jane Austen and Mr. Austen

Jane and her father share a special bond rooted in their shared passion for literature. Mr. Austen encourages and supports Jane's writing ambitions, serving as a mentor and guiding force in her journey.

Jane Austen and Lady Gresham

Jane's relationship with Lady Gresham represents the societal pressures and expectations placed upon young women. Lady Gresham embodies the traditional views of the time, challenging Jane's pursuit of love and independence.

Jane Austen and Reverend Austen

Reverend Austen serves as Jane's mentor and inspiration. His own love story influences Jane's understanding of romance and gives her the courage to pursue her dreams. Their relationship is characterized by warmth, guidance, and support.

Jane Austen and Lucy Lefroy

Jane and Lucy's relationship starts off with skepticism but evolves into a loyal friendship. Lucy becomes a supportive friend and confidant to Jane, offering guidance and understanding.

Tom Lefroy and Cassandra Austen

Cassandra and Tom share a cordial relationship. Cassandra initially doubts Tom's intentions towards Jane but eventually comes to accept and support their relationship.

Tom Lefroy and Lady Anne Lefroy

Tom and Lady Anne Lefroy have a strained relationship. Lady Anne disapproves of Tom's relationship with Jane, considering her to be of a lower social standing.

Jane Austen and Mr. Wisley

Jane and Mr. Wisley's relationship is characterized by his pursuit of her hand in marriage. While Mr. Wisley offers stability and security, Jane's heart is drawn elsewhere, leading her to question her true desires.