John Reed

" Accustomed to John Reed's abuse, i never had an idea replying to it, my care was how to endure the blow which would certainly follow..." (Bronte, 9).

John Reed is Jane Eyre's cousin. By showing that Jane received abuse by a man so early in her book, Bronte will probably develope a theme about men later in the story. It is also important that Jane knows how to avoid the onslaught, but still chooses to fight.