"Vanity Fair" Characters Analysis

List of Characters

Role Identification

In the novel "Vanity Fair" by William Makepeace Thackeray, a satirical and social critique of the British upper class during the early 19th century, several key characters drive the narrative and depict the complexities of human nature. The main protagonist, Becky Sharp, an ambitious and cunning social climber, takes center stage as she navigates her way through various relationships and schemes. Other major characters, including Amelia Sedley and Rawdon Crawley, provide contrasting perspectives and play instrumental roles in the unfolding story. Supporting characters, such as Miss Matilda Crawley, Captain George Osborne, Jos Sedley, and Lord Steyne, add depth and intrigue to the overall narrative arc.

Character Descriptions

Becky Sharp

Becky Sharp is the primary protagonist of "Vanity Fair". She is described as a beautiful, intelligent, and resourceful young woman. Despite her humble background, she possesses a sharp wit and an unwavering determination to rise in society. Becky is willing to employ any means necessary, including manipulation and deceit, to achieve her ambitions.

Amelia Sedley

Amelia Sedley, a close friend of Becky Sharp, serves as a major character in the novel. She represents innocence and naiveté, characterized by her kind nature and trusting disposition. Amelia's beauty captures the hearts of those around her, including Captain George Osborne. However, her idealistic nature often leads her into unfortunate circumstances.

Rawdon Crawley

Rawdon Crawley, the husband of Becky Sharp, is portrayed as a military man with good intentions but limited intellect. He is one of the few characters who see through Becky's manipulative nature, yet remains devoted to her. Rawdon's loyalty and love for Becky are tested as their relationship faces challenges and secret ventures.

Miss Matilda Crawley

Miss Matilda Crawley, an elderly and wealthy spinster, plays a supporting role in the novel. She is known for her fortune and eccentric behavior. Miss Crawley becomes a valuable pawn in Becky's scheming, as Becky tries to secure her place in high society. Although Miss Crawley is aware of Becky's motives, she takes a liking to her and often succumbs to her charm.

Captain George Osborne

Captain George Osborne is Amelia Sedley's love interest and serves as a supporting character in the novel. He is portrayed as handsome and charming but lacks depth of character. George's sense of entitlement and arrogance mask his selfish and unfaithful nature, which ultimately leads to tragic consequences.

Jos Sedley

Jos Sedley, Amelia's brother, is a supporting character providing moments of comedic relief throughout the novel. He is portrayed as a gluttonous and inept individual who values material possessions over personal relationships. Jos's interactions with other characters bring levity to the story while highlighting the follies of the upper class.

Lord Steyne

Lord Steyne, an affluent and influential aristocrat, assumes the role of the antagonist in "Vanity Fair". He is depicted as manipulative, wealthy, and morally corrupt. Lord Steyne becomes entangled with Becky Sharp and uses his power to control and exploit her. His presence represents the dark underbelly of 19th-century high society.

Character Traits

Becky Sharp

• Ambitious
• Cunning
• Intelligent
• Opportunistic
• Socially adept

Amelia Sedley

• Innocent
• Naive
• Kind-hearted
• Devoted
• Idealistic

Rawdon Crawley

• Loyal
• Devoted
• Protective
• Impulsive
• Brash

Miss Matilda Crawley

• Wealthy
• Eccentric
• Vulnerable
• Charitable
• Easily influenced

Captain George Osborne

• Handsome
• Charming
• Egotistical
• Unfaithful
• Selfish

Jos Sedley

• Gluttonous
• Inept
• Materialistic
• Comical
• Indecisive

Lord Steyne

• Manipulative
• Wealthy
• Corrupt
• Dominating
• Influential

Character Background

Becky Sharp

Becky Sharp is the daughter of an artist and a French opera dancer. She grows up in poverty, facing numerous hardships. However, she possesses a strong desire to rise above her circumstances and secure a place in the upper echelons of society. Becky's background shapes her resourcefulness, cunning, and ability to adapt to various social situations.

Amelia Sedley

Amelia Sedley is born into a wealthy family, providing her with a comfortable upbringing. She is sheltered from the harsh realities of life, resulting in her naive and trusting nature. Amelia's background allows her to effortlessly attract suitors without fully comprehending the complexities of relationships and societal expectations.

Rawdon Crawley

Rawdon Crawley is born into the Crawley family, known for their noble heritage. However, his lack of intellect and charm prevent him from achieving the status and success associated with his lineage. Rawdon's background contrasts with Becky's, as he is initially more concerned with living a carefree life in the military before being ensnared by Becky's ambition.

Miss Matilda Crawley

Miss Matilda Crawley is an elderly spinster with substantial wealth inherited from her late brother. The absence of close familial ties and her eccentric personality make her vulnerable to manipulation. Miss Crawley's background highlights the vulnerability of the wealthy elite and their susceptibility to flattery and deceit.

Captain George Osborne

Captain George Osborne is born into a privileged military family and raised with a sense of entitlement. His background grants him access to the finer things in life, but it also nurtures his arrogance and disregard for others. George's upbringing initially shields him from the consequences of his actions, but eventually, he faces the harsh reality of his choices.

Jos Sedley

Jos Sedley is Amelia Sedley's older brother and is born into wealth. His background ensures that he lacks the motivation to achieve success of his own. Consequently, Jos becomes consumed by indulgence and material possessions, indulging his desire for immediate gratification.

Lord Steyne

Lord Steyne, an aristocrat and member of the British elite, is born into wealth and power. His background provides him with influence and control over others. Lord Steyne uses his position to manipulate and exploit individuals, using his wealth as a tool to maintain his dominance.

Character Arcs

Becky Sharp

Becky's character arc in "Vanity Fair" is one of ambition, deceit, and eventual downfall. Initially hailed for her wit and charm, Becky navigates the social ladder, using her resourcefulness to climb higher. Her manipulative tactics lead to temporary success, but her lack of moral grounding and insatiable appetite for social recognition eventually contribute to her downfall.

Amelia Sedley

Amelia's character arc revolves around her unwavering love for George Osborne and her eventual realization of his flaws. Initially captured by George's charm, she remains devoted to him despite his unfaithfulness. However, Amelia's character arc takes a turn when she acknowledges the truth about George, leading to her growth and development as an independent and resilient woman.

Rawdon Crawley

Rawdon's character arc in the novel is deeply intertwined with his relationship with Becky. Initially blinded by love for his cunning wife, Rawdon becomes disillusioned as he begins to recognize her manipulations. His character arc involves learning to see through the facade of social climbing and discovering his own self-worth.

Miss Matilda Crawley

While Miss Crawley's character arc is relatively minor compared to others, her interactions with Becky reflect a change in her perception and understanding of human nature. Initially susceptible to Becky's flattery, Miss Crawley becomes more guarded and discerning as the story progresses, ultimately revealing her character and strength.

Captain George Osborne

George's character arc mainly revolves around his selfishness and its consequences. Initially driven by his desires and sense of entitlement, he fails to recognize the impact of his actions on those around him. George's character arc reaches a tragic end as he faces the consequences of his choices.

Jos Sedley

Jos's character arc consists of comedic moments that provide a satirical commentary on the shallow nature of the British elite. He remains largely unchanged throughout the story, serving as a constant reminder of the fickle nature of materialism and societal expectations.

Lord Steyne

Lord Steyne's character arc focuses on his manipulation and control over others. He uses his wealth and power to exploit those beneath him. Lord Steyne's character arc ends without redemption, as he continues to exert influence and maintain his position within high society.

Relationships

Becky Sharp's relationship with Amelia Sedley serves as a central point of contrast in "Vanity Fair". While Becky manipulates and schemes her way through life, Amelia remains unquestioningly loyal to her friend. Despite their differing natures, their relationship provides a complex dynamic that reflects the complexities of human connections and the blurred lines between loyalty, envy, and betrayal.

Becky's marriage to Rawdon Crawley is marked by a stark contrast in their character traits and backgrounds. Rawdon's loyalty to Becky is tested as he begins to see through her manipulative nature. Their relationship showcases the tension between love, loyalty, and ambition.

Captain George Osborne's relationship with Amelia Sedley depicts the consequences of blind love and the false ideals of romance. Amelia's unwavering devotion to George contrasts with his unfaithful and selfish nature. This relationship underscores the vulnerability of trusting souls and the harsh realities of unrequited love.

Jos Sedley's relationships are primarily comedic in nature, highlighting the superficiality of the British upper class. His interactions with other characters provide moments of amusement and satire, emphasizing the frivolousness of societal expectations.

Lord Steyne's relationship with Becky Sharp represents the corrupt underbelly of high society, as he exploits her ambitions while she utilizes him for social advancement. Their relationship delves into the power dynamics and moral compromises prevalent in the elite class during the 19th century.

In conclusion, "Vanity Fair" presents a vivid array of characters whose interwoven lives reflect the complexities of social climbing, human nature, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Through the portrayal of characters like Becky Sharp, Amelia Sedley, Rawdon Crawley, and others, Thackeray provides a scathing critique of the British upper class, capturing the essence of vanity, deceit, and the pursuit of status.