# Jane Fairfax — Emma character guide > Jane Fairfax in Emma by Jane Austen. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Jane, Miss Fairfax, Fairfax **First appearance:** 0010-ix ## Who they are An orphaned, exquisitely accomplished young woman whose reserved manners and uncertain prospects make her the object of Emma's guilt, envy, and persistent neglect. ## In the story ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xix) Jane Fairfax is the subject of the letter discussed; she is unwell and expected to visit Highbury the following week. ### [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xx) Jane returns to Highbury after two years; Emma notes her elegance and beauty but is put off by her cold, cautious manner and secrecy about Weymouth and Mr. Dixon. ### [Chapter XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxi) Jane is present during the discussion of Mr. Elton's engagement and is later the subject of Mr. Knightley's praise and Emma's scrutiny. ### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxiv) Discussed by Frank and Emma; Frank comments on her pale complexion, and Emma defends her appearance. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxvi) Jane is the subject of the pianoforte mystery, and Frank Churchill draws attention to her unusual hairstyle. ### [Chapter XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxvii) Mentioned in Emma's reflections and Miss Bates's ramble; her musical skill is compared to Emma's, and she is noted as receiving apples from Mr. Knightley. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxviii) Playing the new pianoforte; appears nervous and emotional about the instrument, and shows secret delight at Frank Churchill's attentions. ### [Chapter 23](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxx) Looks forward to the ball but later appears composed and unwell; her indifference strikes Emma as odious. ### [Chapter XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxi) Emma contrasts Harriet's warmth with Jane Fairfax's perceived coldness, praising tenderness of heart over clear-headedness. ### [Chapter XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxiii) Jane Fairfax is the object of Mrs. Elton's condescending kindness; Emma is surprised she tolerates Mrs. Elton's attentions. ### [Chapter XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxiv) Shows solicitude about fetching her letters, appears happier after her wet walk, and is invited to Emma's dinner. ### [Chapter XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xxxv) Jane is subjected to Mrs. Elton's persistent and unwanted inquiries about her future as a governess, responding with quiet resistance and a sharp remark about the 'governess-trade.' ### [Chapter XLI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xli) Jane Fairfax is at her grandmother's and reacts with embarrassment and displeasure during the word game. ### [Chapter XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlii) Endures Mrs. Elton's pressure about a governess position, then escapes to the house and asks Emma to cover her departure. ### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xliii) Accompanies Miss Bates and Mr. Knightley during the picnic; is present when Emma humiliates her aunt. ### [Chapter XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xliv) Seen looking extremely ill; has decided to accept Mrs. Smallridge's offer as governess, causing her aunt much distress. ### [Chapter XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlv) Refuses Emma's arrowroot and note, later seen walking despite claiming illness, indicating her resolve to avoid Emma's kindness. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlvi) Revealed as Frank Churchill's secret fiancée; had been on the point of becoming a governess; praised for her steadiness. ### [Chapter XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlvii) Jane Fairfax is the subject of the 'wonderful story' that Harriet initially refers to; Emma believes Jane's troubles are now resolved with the revelation of her engagement. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlviii) Jane Fairfax is revealed to be secretly engaged to Frank Churchill; Emma regrets her past suspicions and neglect of Jane. ### [XLIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/xlix) Jane Fairfax is the subject of the engagement news; Mr. Knightley expresses sympathy for her, believing she deserves a better fate. ### [Chapter L](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/l) Revealed as Frank Churchill's secret fiancée; praised for her delicacy and merit in Frank's letter. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/lii) Receives Emma warmly, looking well and engaging; her secret engagement is hinted at by Mrs. Elton. ### [LIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/chapters/liv) Spends the day at Randalls with Frank Churchill, causing an awkward reunion with Emma. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters/jane_fairfax - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emma_se/characters