New Characters

Jane is a 10 year old orphan girl. She is outspoken and very plain, and because of this, she is not accepted by her foster family, The Reeds. Some critics believe that Jane is a representation of the author, Charlotte Brontë, who believed that a lead female character could still be loved, even if she wasn't beautiful. It is said she even told her sisters, "I will show you a heroine as plain and small as myself," (Melani). Jane is the future of women; she is confident, outspoken, brave, intelligent, and wants to find love for love's sake.

JANE EYRE

MRS. REED

Mrs. Reed is Jane's aunt by marriage (her husband was Jane's mother's brother). She is a cold and traditional Victorian era woman. As seen in her treatment of Jane, she resents her. Possibly because, she feels Jane should be more respectful to her, “Be seated somewhere; and until you can speak pleasantly, remain silent," (Brontë, 12). Mrs. Reed however, is a hypocrite, as she expects Jane to be polite and well-mannered but doesn't expect the same from her own children.

THE REED CHILDREN

John, Eliza, and Georgiana are Jane's rude and indulged cousins. They are mean to Jane and tease her for being an orphan. While Eliza is the least terrible, Georgiana represents the idea of beauty being a license for bad behavior.
"Her beauty, her pink cheeks and golden curls, seemed to give delight to all who looked at her, and to purchase indemnity for every fault," (33). This idea is expanded upon later in the novel, when the audience learns what has become of adult Georgiana.



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