Who is Jacob from The Red Tent and what is their importance?

Jacob is Dinah's father. He is married to her mother, as well as her mother's three sisters. Jacob comes to Laban's camp because he is fleeing from his brother. He meets Rachel at the well, and he instantly falls in love with her. As a result of years of hard work, Jacob becomes very successful.

Even though Dinah is Jacob's only daughter, she never really interacts with him. He talks to her on occasions, but she is not a priority like his sons. Dinah resents Jacob's ability to make Leah happy. She feels she should be the only person to do this. Dinah's feelings for Jacob never warm. While Jacob never admits to orchestrating the massacre at Shechem, she knows he is guilty for allowing Simon and Levi to behave as they did. After Dinah curses Jacob, it causes the downfall of his tribe. Dinah is dead to him and his house.