What does being independent symbolize in a character of a book?

Question

on the mayor of casterbridge:

elizabeth jane declines the offer of Farfrae bringing her an umbrella when it is raining and they go to that place (think its a farm)

Answer 1

A character who exhibits independence is someone who is typically an individual and self-sufficient, this character will never submit to a higher authority and is driven by freedom from oppression, freedom of speech and expression and choice. I don't know if this helps though, your question is quite ambiguous.