Jean is a peasant in medieval France, initially a loving husband to Jeanne. His character deteriorates after traumatic events. On their wedding night, unable to pay the marriage tax, he fails to protect Jeanne from gang-rape by the local baron and his courtiers. Overwhelmed by shame and distress, he strangles Jeanne unconscious and flees.

Later, as Jeanne gains power through a demonic pact, Jean benefits indirectly, becoming village tax collector. Unable to extract sufficient taxes from the impoverished villagers, the baron punishes this failure by severing Jean's hand. This accelerates his descent into alcoholism and despair. His physical and emotional disintegration leads him to rape and beat Jeanne, then abandon her when she flees a witch-hunting mob, leaving her vulnerable.

In the conclusion, Jean attempts reconciliation with Jeanne after the baron summons her. They briefly reunite, but when Jeanne is condemned to burn at the stake, Jean tries to intervene. The baron's soldiers kill him during his attempt to save her. His path illustrates the corrosive effects of feudal oppression, emasculation, and violence on an initially sympathetic character.