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Jane Eyre’s character develops and changes as she is influenced by the people she meets in the different places she stays. Jane is an eight-year-old orphan at the beginning of the book. She is living with her Aunt Reed, and cousins, Georgiana, Eliza, and John at Gateshead. Jane is suppressed by her aunt who hates her. She was often blamed for things she did not do and was wrongfully punished. Jane’s life at Gateshead was miserable. Jane tries to keep her dignity and a sense of individuality while living at Gateshead. She tries to keep as much self-esteem as she can in her circumstances. She is forced to stand up for herself when no one else will. One day Jane finally tells off her Aunt Reed. "I am glad you are no relation of mine. I will never call you aunt again as long as I live. I will never come to visit you when I am grown up; and if any one asks me how I liked you, and how you treated me, I will say the very thought of you makes me sick…." (Bronte 30) Jane’s next residence is at Lowood School. She is very excited to be leaving Gateshead and going to school. Mr. Brocklehurst is a pastor and the founder of Lowood. He humiliates Jane in front of the whole school after he hears horrible things about her f