How does Jo March change throughout the story?

Jo changes from an exuberant and sometimes hot-tempered teenager in the opening part of the novel to someone who becomes more somber due to changes in her family. As the first part of the novel ends, she exhibits personal growth, learning to better control her temper.
As Meg marries John and moves out, and Beth grows sicker and eventually dies, Jo suffers from depression over these losses and the subsequent loneliness she experiences. She is revived as she moves away from home and meets and falls in love with Professor Bhaer. He influences her to admit her shame at the kind of cloak and dagger thriller literature she has been earning money writing. He encourages her to use her gifts in a better way and offers her comfort and security.
As the novel ends, Jo has grown from a hot-tempered, passionate tomboy to a somewhat more feminine young woman who has matured through suffering to be able to accept the love of gentle older man.