After surviving the cruel regime of a harsh charity school, orphan Jane Eyre takes a job as a governess at Thornfield Hall. Here, she finds herself increasingly attracted to her enigmatic master, Mr Rochester.

Jane finds she has a rival for Rochester's attentions in the beautiful Blanche Ingram, and the gossip is that Rochester will soon propose marriage. Meanwhile, a mysterious visitor from overseas brings great trouble to Thornfield.

On her deathbed, Aunt Reed reveals important information about Jane's family which she has hidden for years. Returning to Thornfield, Jane expects Rochester to wed Blanche Ingram and is shocked by an altogether different marriage proposal.

Having left Thornfield, a heartbroken Jane finds herself alone and starving. She is rescued and begins a new life as a teacher, but when Rivers proposes marriage she thinks she hears Rochester call out her name and knows she must go back.