Main 9
Amelia Sedley
Also known as: Miss Sedley, Amelia, Miss Emmy, Miss Amelia
A kind, gentle, and emotional young lady with a generous heart; she is beloved by almost everyone at the academy but is prone to frequent crying. She prepares for her departure, receives numerous gifts and emotional farewells from her peers, and leaves the school in her family's coach.
Rebecca Sharp Close friend and schoolmateMiss Pinkerton StudentMr. Sedley daughterMrs. Sedley daughterLaura Martin mother-figure/protector
+2 more
Chapters 2, 3
Rebecca Crawley
Also known as: Miss Sharp, Rebecca, Becky, Becky Sharp
An articled pupil who is cynical, defiant, and socially marginalized; she possesses a perfect French accent and a sharp, rebellious spirit. She leaves the academy with Amelia, pointedly refuses to show subservience to Miss Pinkerton, and throws the gift dictionary back into the garden in a final act of defiance.
Amelia Sedley Friend and traveling companionMiss Pinkerton Articled pupil and antagonistMiss Pinkerton adversary/former student
Chapters 2, 3
Miss Pinkerton
Also known as: The Semiramis of Hammersmith, the majestic lady, Semiramis of Hammersmith, friend of Doctor Johnson, correspondent of Mrs. Chapone, pompous old Minerva
+1 másA majestic, pompous, and cold headmistress who values social status and her own reputation above all else. She writes a formal letter of recommendation for Amelia, refuses to give Becky a dictionary, and is ultimately snubbed by Becky during the farewell.
Miss Jemima Pinkerton SisterMiss Jemima sister/superior
Chapters 2, 3
Sambo
Also known as: the black servant
A black servant in the Sedley household who is observant and somewhat mischievous. He arrives with the coach, handles the luggage, and grins while packing Becky's meager belongings.
Mr. Sedley servant
Chapter 3
Miss Swartz
A wealthy, emotional, and generous parlour-boarder from St. Kitt's. She is devastated by Amelia's departure, falling into a fit of hysterical tears that requires medical attention.
Amelia Sedley devoted friend
Chapter 3
Mrs. Sedley
A lady of the London merchant class. She is the recipient of a letter from Miss Pinkerton and gifts from Miss Jemima.
Mr. Sedley wife
Chapter 3
Miss Briggs
An envious pupil. Mentioned as someone who, despite her envy, never spoke ill of Amelia.
Chapter 3
Joseph Sedley
Also known as: Miss Sedley's papa, the merchant, John Sedley, Esquire
A wealthy London merchant. He is mentioned as the recipient of Amelia's school bill and the owner of the coach.
Chapter 3
Captain William Dobbin
Appears clumsy but dances in an amusing and natural manner. Mentioned by the Manager as a puppet in the show.
Chapter 1
Secondary 11
Manager of the Performance
Also known as: the manager, the Manager
Reflective, melancholy, and observant; he serves as the narrator/presenter of the story. He sits before the curtain, observes the fair, and introduces the puppets and the moral tone of the performance to the audience.
Chapter 1
Tom Fool
Also known as: poor Tom Fool, yonder behind the waggon
A weary performer and family man who works as a tumbler. He is seen washing off his face paint and eating dinner with his family behind the scenes.
Jack Puddings family member
Chapter 1
Jack Puddings
Also known as: little Jack Puddings, the little Jack Puddings
A child performer belonging to a family of tumblers. He sits behind the canvas with Tom Fool during dinner.
Tom Fool family member
Chapter 1
Becky Puppet
Also known as: famous little Becky Puppet
Described as uncommonly flexible in the joints and lively on the wire. Mentioned by the Manager as one of the lead puppets in the upcoming show.
Chapter 1
Amelia Doll
Carved and dressed with great care, though she has a smaller circle of admirers than Becky. Mentioned by the Manager as a carefully crafted figure in the performance.
Chapter 1
Wicked Nobleman
Also known as: richly dressed figure of the Wicked Nobleman
A richly dressed figure representing high-status villainy. Mentioned as a character who will be taken away by Old Nick at the end of the play.
Old Nick adversary/victim
Chapter 1
Old Nick
A figure representing the devil or a collector of souls. Mentioned as the one who will fetch away the Wicked Nobleman.
Wicked Nobleman captor
Chapter 1
Miss Jemima Pinkerton
Also known as: Miss Jemima, Jemima, the elder sister, Honest Jemima
The kind-hearted, nervous, and hardworking sister of Miss Pinkerton who handles the school's domestic affairs. She attempts to give Becky a dictionary against her sister's wishes and provides sandwiches for the girls' journey.
Miss Pinkerton Sister and subordinateMiss Pinkerton sister/subordinate
Chapters 2, 3
Laura Martin
Also known as: little Laura Martin, the orphan
A young orphan student who is deeply attached to Amelia. She follows Amelia around and promises to call her 'Mamma' in her letters.
Amelia Sedley devoted admirer
Chapter 3
Miss Saltire
Also known as: Lord Dexter's granddaughter
A high-born but somewhat shabby and haughty student. She asks Amelia to send letters to her via her grandfather to save on postage.
Chapter 3
Doctor Johnson
Also known as: the great Lexicographer, Samuel Johnson
A famous historical figure whose past visit to the school is the source of Miss Pinkerton's prestige. Mentioned as the author of the dictionary and the school's patron spirit.
Chapter 3