# John Reed — Jane Eyre character guide

> John Reed in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** John, Master Reed, Mr. Reed

**First appearance:** 0003-i

## Who they are

Jane's bullying cousin at Gateshead who later dies by suicide.

## In the story

### [Jane Eyre](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/jane-eyre)

Mrs. Reed's son, who bullies and physically attacks Jane.

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/i)

Jane's fourteen-year-old cousin, a cruel and tyrannical bully who physically attacks Jane and provokes her retaliation.

### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/ii)

John is recalled as the instigator of the conflict, having struck Jane without reproach from anyone.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/iii)

Mentioned as the one who knocked Jane down, contributing to her misery.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/chapters/iv)

Attempts to hit Jane but is daunted by her fierce reaction; complains to his mother.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/characters/john_reed
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/jane_eyre_se/characters