# Mrs. Fairfax — Jane Eyre character guide

> Mrs. Fairfax in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** God Mrs. Fairfax, tranquil Mrs. Fairfax, a Fairfax, simple dame Fairfax, kind Mrs. Fairfax

**First appearance:** 0013-xi

## Snapshot

Thornfield's gentle, garrulous housekeeper, whose kindness gives Jane her first taste of being welcomed rather than merely tolerated.

## Who they are

Mrs. Fairfax manages Thornfield with quiet competence and assumes Jane has come to teach, not to befriend her employer. She is warm, a little lonely, and fond of small talk, and she offers Jane the ordinary decency Gateshead never did. Yet her cheerful surface also shows how much of Thornfield's truth even a trusted servant does not know.

## In the story

### [A New Servitude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/x)

Mrs. Fairfax responds to Jane's application, offering her the post of governess at Thornfield Hall.

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

The housekeeper of Thornfield Hall, who welcomes Jane and shows her around the house, explaining the history and layout.

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

Described as a placid, kind woman; Jane values her kindness and company.

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

Mrs. Fairfax provides Jane with background on Mr. Rochester's family troubles, helps Jane dress for tea, and acts as a polite intermediary during the evening.

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

Mrs. Fairfax is summoned to attend to Adèle, serving as a companion for the child while Rochester talks with Jane.

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

Mrs. Fairfax discusses the fire, provides information about Grace Poole, and tells Jane about Mr. Rochester's likely marriage to Blanche Ingram.

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

Manages the household preparations for the guests and advises Jane on how to handle the evening.

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

Receives Jane with plain friendliness, reports that Mr. Rochester has gone to London and may be making wedding arrangements.

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

Mrs. Fairfax witnesses Rochester kissing Jane and appears pale, grave, and amazed, though Jane postpones explaining the situation.

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

Mrs. Fairfax is cold and skeptical, warning Jane about the imprudence of marrying a man of Rochester's station and age, and expressing doubts about his sincerity.

### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/xxxiv)

Jane writes to her seeking news of Mr. Rochester but receives no reply.

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

Mentioned as having been sent away by Mr. Rochester with an annuity.

## Links

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