# Adèle Varens — Jane Eyre character guide

> Adèle Varens in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Adèle, Miss Adèle, little Adèle, Little Adèle, Mademoiselle Adela, Mademoiselle, Miss Adela, Adela

**First appearance:** 0013-xi

## Snapshot

Rochester's vivacious French ward, all chatter and curls, who gives Jane her first pupil and Thornfield its only unguarded warmth.

## Who they are

Adèle arrives at Thornfield as a child of Paris, the daughter of a dancer Rochester once loved, and she treats Jane as both teacher and friend. Her endless talk and theatrical affection contrast with the house's cold corridors, and her presence softens Jane's arrival into a strange household. Through Adèle, Rochester's past begins to surface, and Jane finds a small, daily purpose.

## In the story

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xi)

Jane's pupil, a young French-speaking girl who is Mr. Rochester's ward.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xii)

Jane's pupil, a lively but wayward child who becomes obedient under Jane's care.

### [Chapter XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xiii)

Adèle is restless and excited about Mr. Rochester's return, hoping for presents. She kneels by Pilot during tea and tries to advocate for a gift for Jane.

### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xiv)

Adèle receives a gift box and is occupied with it, allowing Jane and Rochester to converse privately.

### [Chapter XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xv)

Adèle plays with Pilot and a shuttlecock; Jane cares for her and defends her despite her illegitimate origins.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xvi)

Adèle is present in the schoolroom drawing and later interrupts the conversation between Jane and Mrs. Fairfax.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xvii)

Excited about the guests and prepares eagerly for the evening, but is eventually sent to bed.

### [Chapter XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xviii)

Mentioned as a target of Blanche Ingram's spiteful antipathy.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xxii)

Half wild with delight upon seeing Jane, nestles close to her during tea.

### [Chapter XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xxiii)

Adèle runs to Jane in the morning to report that the great horse-chestnut tree has been split by lightning.

### [Chapter XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xxiv)

Adèle is eager to join the trip to Millcote but is initially refused by Rochester, though Jane later intercedes on her behalf.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xxv)

Adèle sleeps peacefully in the nursery; Jane holds her through the night and weeps over her before leaving at dawn.

### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xxvii)

Jane mentions she must leave Adèle as part of her departure from Thornfield.

### [Chapter XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xxxvi)

Mentioned as having been put to school by Mr. Rochester.

### [Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xxxviii-conclusion)

Jane visits her at school, brings her home, and places her in a better school.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/endnotes)

Referenced through the French phrases and the mention of 'Mademoiselle' and 'Mama'.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/characters/adele_varens
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/characters