Mrs. Reed might be at that time, some six or seven and thirty; she was a woman of robust frame, square-shouldered and strong-limbed, not tall, and, though stout, not obese. She had a somewhat large face, the under-jaw being much developed and very solid; her brow was low, her chin large and prominent, mouth and nose sufficiently regular; under her light eyebrows glimmered an eye devoid of truth; her skin was dark and opaque, her hair nearly flaxen; her constitution was sound as a bell; illness never came near her; she was an exact, clever manager; her household and tenantry were thoroughly under her control; she was an exact, clever manager; her household and tenantry were thoroughly under her control; her children only at times defied her authority and laughed it to scorn; she dressed well, and had a presence and port calculated to set off handsome attire.

– Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre, Chapter 4. Jane describes her aunt’s appearance and character while watching her sew. Mrs. Reed is about 36 or 37 at this time. Her false character and poor relationship with the truth is emphasized when Jane tells us that she has “an eye devoid of truth.” She is also portrayed at controlling.