# Jane Porter — Tarzan of the Apes character guide

> Jane Porter in Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Jane, Miss Jane, Miss Porter

**First appearance:** 0014-xiii-his-own-kind

## Snapshot

An American woman stranded on the African coast with her eccentric father, she becomes the object of Tarzan's fierce devotion—and the bridge between his jungle and civilization.

## Who they are

Jane Porter arrives in Africa aboard a treasure-hunting expedition and finds herself abandoned on a savage shore with her father, Clayton, and a superstitious maid. Brave and quick-witted, she is drawn to the mysterious forest man who saves her life, even as she struggles to reconcile his wildness with the polished world she comes from. Her kiss in the jungle transforms Tarzan irrevocably, and her refusal to abandon him when rescue ships arrive proves she is as loyal as she is curious.

## Relationships

### [John Clayton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/characters/john_clayton)

_romantic_

Jane Porter and John Clayton (Tarzan) fall deeply in love, with Jane eventually choosing Tarzan over her other suitor.

### [John Clayton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/characters/john_clayton)

_romantic_

Jane Porter and John Clayton (Tarzan) fall deeply in love, with Jane eventually choosing Tarzan over her other suitor.

### [John Clayton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/characters/john_clayton)

_romantic_

Jane Porter and John Clayton (Tarzan) fall deeply in love, with Jane eventually choosing Tarzan over her other suitor.

## In the story

### [At the Mercy of the Jungle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters/xiv-at-the-mercy-of-the-jungle)

Barricades herself in the cabin with Esmeralda, fears for the men in the jungle, hears the forest sounds and a gunshot.

### [XV: The Forest God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters/xv-the-forest-god)

Awakens to find Sabor entering the cabin, prepares to shoot herself and Esmeralda, but is saved by Tarzan and Clayton.

### [Most Remarkable](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters/xvi-most-remarkable)

Reflects on Tarzan's unangelic roar and his killing of the lioness, calling him a 'very material angel.'

### [Burials](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters/xvii-burials)

Writes at the table, later expresses concern about the Arrow's departure and her father's wandering.

### [XVIII: The Jungle Toll](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters/xviii-the-jungle-toll)

Wrote the letter to Hazel Strong; is captured by an ape while gathering fruit.

### [XIX: The Call of the Primitive](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters/xix-the-call-of-the-primitive)

Captured by Terkoz, rescued by Tarzan, experiences a moment of primal love then repulses him.

### [XX: Heredity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters/xx-heredity)

Feels trust and love for Tarzan, examines the locket, accepts his gift, and sleeps safely in the bower guarded by Tarzan.

### [XXII: The Search Party](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters/xxii-the-search-party)

Reunited with her father and Clayton; defends the forest man and struggles with her feelings for him and Clayton.

### [Brother Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters/xxiii-brother-men)

Mentioned as having been rescued by Tarzan from Terkoz; her departure with the others causes Tarzan's anguish.

### [Lost Treasure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters/xxiv-lost-treasure)

Defends the forest man's character and motives, insists on waiting for him, and leaves a heartfelt message and locket in the cabin.

### [The Giant Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/chapters/xxvii-the-giant-again)

Reunites with Tarzan, struggles with her feelings and her promise to marry Robert Canler due to her father's debt.

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

Reunited with her father, released from her promise to Canler, accepts Clayton's proposal, and confesses her love for Tarzan but feels bound to Clayton.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/characters/jane_porter
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/tarzan_of_the_apes_se/characters