Jane is the only midwife in the village. She assists pregnant women who are in labor by using a combination of herbs, superstition, and common sense. She does her job “with energy and some skill, but without care, compassion, or joy.” Jane is a tough and greedy person. She demands high wages for her services because she has no competition— and that is just how she likes it. When she finds Brat in the dung heap, she realizes that she has found cheap labor. She takes Brat—whom she calls Beetle—home with her to work as her servant. Jane is sure that someone who looks as stupid and scared as Beetle will be no competition to her. She allows Beetle to learn about the herbs she uses, but controls Beetle’s learning by making her stay outside when she is delivering a baby and by verbally and physically abusing her.
The midwife becomes enraged when a pregnant woman requests Beetle’s services and not hers. She accuses Beetle (who is now known as Alyce) of stealing her mothers. The midwife is unaware of the knowledge that Alyce has gleaned from her and she is unaware that the villagers often ask Alyce for advice. Jane doesn’t realize how much she depends on Alyce until Alyce runs away.
The midwife goes to the inn where Alyce is working. Speaking to Magister Reese, a guest at the inn, about midwifery, she indirectly tells Alyce that she didn’t fail. She tells Magister Reese (knowing full well that Alyce is listening) that she needs an apprentice who will persevere and never give up. In her way, Jane encourages Alyce to be brave. She conveys the message to Alyce that it is better to try and fail—and try again—than to never try at all.
