Jane is an adolescent girl who lives in 9th century England,[1] in a small fictional kingdom called Kippernium. (The castle being Kippernia Castle.)[2] Although she was raised to be a lady-in-waiting, Jane dreamed of becoming a brave knight. She wins the chance to become an apprentice knight after encountering -- and befriending -- a dragon. The series follows Jane's interactions with the rest of the castle's residents and their frequent adventures. Themes of integrity, loyalty, friendship and courage are woven through the stories. Jane frequently makes errors in judgment, but every episode ends happily. Jane had always wanted to become a knight, despite the fact that this was a role reserved for men. According to the backstory explained in the opening theme song, Jane received a chance to make her dream come true when the royal prince was kidnapped by a dragon. She set out to slay the beast, but wound up befriending him instead. When Jane brings the young prince home to the castle, the king makes her a knight's apprentice. Further details of this early adventure are never explained in the series. They are, however, explained in detail in the book Jane and the Dragon by Martin Baynton. As a knight apprentice, Jane trains and performs various tasks and duties around the castle. Her master is wise Sir Theodore. Sir Ivon, a valiant but somewhat comical knight, has an apprentice of his own named Gunther, a boy whose integrity seems outwardly questionable, and who Jane views as a rival. Dragon helps Jane as she trains to become a knight. When she is on patrol duty, he lets her ride on his back as he flies around the castle. Jane in turn helps Dragon, who is an orphan, in his efforts to uncover the secrets of his heritage. In addition to her best friend, Dragon, Jane has several other friends among the castle staff. Jester the royal jester, Pepper the castle cook, and Rake the castle gardener are all about Jane's age. She is also friends with Smithy, the castle blacksmith, stable hand, and squire to the knights. Also residing in the castle are the King and Queen, their two children, Jane's parents, and Gunther's father. No other characters are seen or heard in the series.