History Main / PlainJane

* [[UsefulNotes/SouthAfrica South African]] singer-songwriter Ampie explicitly uses this trope in his ballad ''Plain Jane''. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDGhOc98iFI&index=25&list=PLIa36ETako3MaZaw7-I0qEuflOniBvTWd The video]] is an affectionately UpToEleven parody of reality TV shows of the ''The Farmer Seeks A Wife''[[note]] ''Boer Soek n'Vrou[[/note]] type; in which a prosperous, good-natured but somewhat dim farmer called Johannes is presented with two possible wives who contend for his good favours. The glamorous and beautiful Patricia, who just wants to be wife to a farmer, is the fore-runner who gets most of the camera time. Meanwhile the seemingly dowdier Jane - who dresses in veldt-chic and is a farm-girl herself who aspires to be a farmer with a husband - is practically ignored. This tale can only go one way... Jane wins out in the end and gets the rose from Johannes. [[note]]In Afrikaans; the music begins around 0.39. The video tells a very clear tale laden with tropes![[/note]]

* ''Manga/Zom100BucketListOfTheDead'': Aside from being quite buff from his college rugby days, Akira isn't drawn as particularly attractive or ugly compared to most other characters his age. He's plain and average next to his handsome ChickMagnet BestFriend Kencho, HeadTurningBeauty Shizuka, and the curvy and blond-haired Beatrix. Akira is particularly envious of Kencho, whose handsome face and sociable personality make it easy for him to pick up girls and have sex.

** Most likely the TropeNamer. Jane not only tells herself she's unattractive but [[BreakTheCutie most of the other characters do as well]]. However, later in the story, it's hinted she may be too harsh on herself.
** Mr. Rochester qualifies as a rare male example. His looks are frequently described as plain, if not downright ugly. But he has a captivating personality and is TallDarkAndSnarky, so women still find him appealing. Aaand Rochester is wealthy, so there may be elements of gold-digging there. [[spoiler: Once his wealth is gone, and he's also injured from the fire, there don't seem to be many people interested.]]
* Mary from ''Literature/TheSecretGarden''. She is described as an ugly and [[IceQueen stern]] child but becomes somewhat prettier as the novel progresses and she becomes [[DefrostingIceQueen happier]].
* Literature/HarryPotter's friend Hermione Granger is first described as frizzy-haired, buck-toothed and shrill, but she eventually [[SheCleansUpNicely outgrows it]]. That is, the teeth and shrill voice. Her hair is still frizzy, unless she tames it with lots and lots of a magical hair care product, which she considers too much of an effort for every day.

%%* Biddy from ''Literature/GreatExpectations''.
* Catherine Sloper in ''Literature/WashingtonSquare'' is always described as plain. The narrator and other characters describe her as having the kind of looks that would be better suited to an older woman than a 20-year-old, making her perhaps a delayed version of ShesAllGrownUp.
* Sonea from ''Literature/TheBlackMagicianTrilogy'' describes herself as being average looking, but she doesn't lack for male attention and is regarded as attractive by those same males.
* Opal Cowan from the [[Literature/IxiaAndSitia Storm]] books sees herself as plain, especially compared to previous protagonist Yelena, but she proves just as appealing to men, if not more so. The book cover also shows her as being very attractive.
* Another literal example with Jane Rizzoli from Tess Gerritsen's Series/RizzoliAndIsles series. She's a very good example of Type 2, as it's mentioned in the first book that she went into police work because she knew it was a career where she would be respected for her mind, not her looks. Yet it's also mentioned that she isn't necessarily bad-looking, but seems reluctant to play up whatever attractiveness she might have--wearing unflattering suits, no makeup. And she's clearly NOT okay with not being beautiful, as she often complains about it and resents women who are.

* Adela Quested in ''Literature/APassageToIndia''. She knows she's not attractive and several characters acknowledge it as well. She's on her way to marry a guy who is also not good-looking.

* In ''Literature/DragonBones'', the noblewoman Tisala of Callis is described as rather plain by the narrator, Ward, who nevertheless is smitten with her. She herself doesn't remark upon her looks. She doesn't seem to consider it important. As she makes up for her looks in badassery and a sense of humor, no one else cares, either.
* In ''Literature/WhenDemonsWalk'', there is Shamera, who considers herself rather average in the looks department, and openly admits that she needs make-up and revealing dresses to attract male attention. As she is undercover as some lord's mistress, and has to look the part, this is rather important. (Her "day job" is thief, which she usually does in men's clothes.)
* The title character of ''Literature/SarahPlainAndTall'', which gets its name from the way she describes herself in a letter.

* Lucia from ''Literature/TheBetrothed'' is a type 2, who attracted Renzo (her fiance) with her intelligence and [[BigBad Don Rodrigo]] because [[ILoveYouBecauseICantControlYou she's a nearly impossible conquest.]] {{Lampshaded}} by many characters who have heard of her plight before meeting her, who then comment [[ExpectingSomeoneTaller they expected someone more beautiful.]]
* Cassidy in the ''Literature/BlackJewels'' novels ''The Shadow Queen'' and ''Shalador's Lady'' is rather plain by most characters' standards, including her own. (Although her fantasy-Native American love interest considers her red hair and freckles exotically charming.) She's primarily a type two, but she does have some self-esteem issues and insecurities over being abandoned for someone more glamorous.
* Hazel Shade in ''Literature/PaleFire'', who's a tragic variant. She's overweight, psoriasis-afflicted, and at the age of twenty-two has gotten almost no attention from men (worrying given it's TheFifties). This leaves her unhappy and somewhat mentally unhinged and is an indirect cause of her tragic death.
* ''Literature/{{Eileen}}'': Eileen describes herself repeatedly as plain, though not extraordinarily ugly. However, she deliberately tries to make herself look as unappealing and asexual as possible, dressing in baggy and unappealing clothes. After she left X-ville and started dressing better, she was still not a great beauty but much more attractive than before.
* In ''Literature/LetMeCallYouSweetheart'' tt turns out HeadTurningBeauty Suzanne was this in her childhood [[spoiler:before getting plastic surgery]]. The nicest thing her stepfather can say about her looks is that she was "not a pretty girl". Her looks, among other things, contributed to a lot of her insecurities well into adulthood despite her becoming stunningly beautiful.

* Princess Marya Bolkonskaya from ''Literature/WarAndPeace'' is described as having [[WhatBeautifulEyes beautiful eyes]], but is a plain girl in every other physical aspect.

--> I may be frumpy,\\

and that's totally awesome!

* ''Manga/Zom100BuckestListOfTheDead'': Aside from being quite buff from his college rugby days, Akira isn't drawn as particularly attractive or ugly compared to most other characters his age. He's plain and average next to his handsome ChickMagnet BestFriend Kencho, HeadTurningBeauty Shizuka, and the curvy and blond-haired Beatrix. Akira is particularly envious of Kencho, whose handsome face and sociable personality make it easy for him to pick up girls and have sex.

# The girl in question really is homely, but compensates for her looks with her skill, smarts or heart. This type seems to acknowledge her unattractiveness, but does nothing to better her appearance and couldn't care less. This type of Jane is usually a {{tomboy}} or a working girl. Usually ends with a "Don't judge a book by its cover" {{aesop}}, but not always.
# The Jane is very aware of her "ugliness" and uses it as a reason to {{wangst}} and get attention from others. This more often then not can result in "{{I just want to be beautiful}}".

** Most likely the TropeNamer. Jane not only tells herself she's unattractive, but [[BreakTheCutie most of the other characters do as well]]. However, later in the story it's hinted she may be too harsh on herself.
** Mr. Rochester qualifies as a rare male example. His looks are frequently described as plain, if not downright ugly. But he has a captivating personality and is TallDarkAndSnarky, so women still find him appealing. Aaand Rochester is wealthy, so there may be elements of golddigging there. [[spoiler: Once his wealth is gone, and he's also injured from the fire, there don't seem to be many people interested.]]
* Mary from ''Literature/TheSecretGarden''. She is described as an ugly and [[IceQueen stern]] child, but becomes somewhat prettier as the novel progresses and she becomes [[DefrostingIceQueen happier]].
* Literature/HarryPotter's friend Hermione Granger is first described as frizzy-haired, buck-toothed and shrill, but she eventually [[SheCleansUpNicely outgrows it]]. That is, the teeth and shrill voice. Her hair is still frizzy, unless she tames it with lots and lots of a magical haircare product, which she considers too much of an effort for every day.
* Caroline Ayres, the female lead in ''Literature/TheLittleStranger'' by Sarah Waters, is repeatedly described as mannish, plain-faced, unkempt and badly dressed. Interestingly, in the FilmOfTheBook she is played by Creator/RuthWilson, who had played Jane Eyre — the most famous PlainJane of all — over a decade earlier.

* Catherine Sloper in ''Literature/WashingtonSquare'' is always described as plain. The narrator and other characters describe her as having the kind of looks that would be better suited to an older woman than a 20 year old, making her perhaps a delayed version of ShesAllGrownUp.
* Sonea from ''Literature/TheBlackMagicianTrilogy'' describes herself as being average looking, but she doesn't lack for male attention, and is regarded as attractive by those same males.

* Hazel Shade in ''Literature/PaleFire'', who's a tragic variant. She's overweight, psoriasis-afflicted, and at the age of twenty two has gotten almost no attention from men (worrying given it's TheFifties). This leaves her unhappy and somewhat mentally unhinged, and is an indirect cause of her tragic death.

%%* Penny from ''Disney/TheRescuers'' .

* In ''Literature/ShadesOfMilkAndHoney'', the protagonist, Jane, deems herself homely, especially in comparison to her much prettier sister Melody, who, in turn, envies Jane her prowess in the glamour magic; that is considered an obligatory talent for the accomplished young lady, much like playing the piano is in Creator/JaneAusten's works.
* In ''Literature/DragonBones'', the noblewoman Tisala of Callis is described as rather plain by the narrator, Ward, who nevertheless is smitten with her. She herself doesn't remark upon her looks; she doesn't seem to consider it important. As she makes up for her looks in badassery and a sense of humour, no one else cares, either.
* In ''Literature/WhenDemonsWalk'', there is Shamera, who considers herself rather average in the looks-department and openly admits to it that she needs make-up and revealing dresses to attract male attention. As she is undercover as some lord's mistress, and has to look the part, this is rather important. (Her "dayjob" is thief, which she usually does in men's clothes.)

* Lucia from ''Literature/TheBetrothed'' is a type 2, who attracted Renzo (her fiance) with her intelligence and [[BigBad Don Rodrigo]] because [[ILoveYouBecauseICantControlYou she's a nearly impossible conquest]]. {{Lampshaded}} by many characters who have heard of her plight before meeting her, who then comment [[ExpectingSomeoneTaller they expected someone more beautiful]].

* Ivy Malfoy/Potter from "PottersPentagon". SheCleansUpNicely but usually chooses not to.

** Mary Bennet, a poor little girl, is the only one plain among her very attractive sisters who are all reputed beauties. She strives to gain as many accomplishments as possible -- she reads or plays the piano all the time. However, it's also implied she's not that smart either. [[spoiler: By the end of the book, she's relieved a bit when her sisters are married off and she's no longer troubled by the comparison. WordOfGod has it that she married a man from Meryton and was considered a star in the local society.]]
** Charlotte Lucas is Elizabeth Bennet's particular friend. She's described as plain-looking by various characters, herself and the narrator. She's very sensible, reasonable and definitely not a romantic. She also knows she's dangerously close to becoming an OldMaid, and gladly marries a stupid and obnoxious guy. She was certain she couldn't do better. To her credit, she arranged her surely difficult life with him quite comfortably.

* Futurama's ButtMonkey Amy Wong.

* ''WesternAnimation/Futurama'' resident ButtMonkey Amy Wong.

* ''WesternAnimation/Futurama'''s resident ButtMonkey Amy Wong.

* Another literal example with Jane Rizzoli from Tess Gerritsen's "Rizzoli" series. She's a very good example of Type 2, as it's mentioned in the first book that she went into police work because she knew it was a career where she would be respected for her mind, not her looks. Yet it's also mentioned that she isn't necessarily bad-looking, but seems reluctant to play up whatever attractiveness she might have--wearing unflattering suits, no makeup. And she's clearly NOT okay with not being beautiful, as she often complains about it and resents women who are.

''Examples:''

'''Examples:'''

* In ''Literature/ShadesOfMilkAndHoney'', the protagonist, Jane, deems herself homely, especially in comparison to her much prettier sister Melody, who, in turn, envies Jane her prowess in the glamour magic, that is considered an obligatory talent for the accomplished young lady, much like playing the piano is in Creator/JaneAusten's works.
* In ''Literature/DragonBones'', the noblewoman Tisala of Callis is described as rather plain by the narrator, Ward, who nevertheless is smitten with her. She herself doesn't remark upon her looks, she doesn't seem to consider it important. As she makes up for her looks in badassery and a sense of humour, no one else cares, either.

* In Kir Bulychev's ''The Settlement'', Mariana, one of the main characters, continually broods over her ugliness. She's not strikingly beautiful (the fact that she's in a WildernessSurvivalPlot on an extremely unfriendly planet doesn't help matters), but she is quite nice-looking overall. Anyway, the main character Oleg is sure that TrueBeautyIsOnTheInside and chooses Mariana over DumbBlonde Liz.