Jane Porter serves as the deuteragonist in Disney's 1999 animated feature film Tarzan, marking her first appearance in this adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic tale. An eccentric and charismatic ethnologist from England, she embarks on a scientific expedition to the African jungle alongside her father, Professor Archimedes Q. Porter, and their guide Clayton to study gorillas in their natural habitat. Voiced by Minnie Driver, the character is introduced as a refined Victorian lady whose formal attire and scholarly demeanor contrast sharply with the untamed environment, underscoring her initial naivety and unwavering dedication to primatology.

During the expedition, Jane encounters Tarzan after he rescues her from a troop of aggressive baboons, an event that initiates her profound personal transformation and romantic involvement with the wild man raised by gorillas. She methodically instructs him in human language, customs, and the wider world, fostering a deep mutual understanding that evolves into genuine affection. Key developments include her pivotal role in exposing Clayton's poaching scheme, her courageous adaptation to jungle perils, and her ultimate decision—shared with her father—to forsake England and remain in Africa with Tarzan and the gorilla family, symbolizing her embrace of a liberated existence attuned to nature.

In the franchise's continuations, including the 2002 direct-to-video sequel Tarzan & Jane and the animated series The Legend of Tarzan (voiced by Olivia d'Abo), Jane fully integrates as Tarzan's wife, navigating further adventures that highlight her enduring intellect, resourcefulness, and commitment to protecting the jungle ecosystem. These portrayals expand her arc from an inquisitive outsider to a steadfast partner who bridges civilized knowledge with primal harmony, while her appearances in related media, such as the Kingdom Hearts series, reinforce her legacy as an emblem of cross-cultural connection and environmental stewardship within Disney's narrative tradition.