Chapter 55: A Rescue and a Catastrophe

Amelia Sedley

Self-sacrificing, deeply maternal, impoverished, and emotionally fragile. She attempts to earn money through painting and teaching but fails. Realizing she cannot provide for Georgy, she writes to Miss Osborne to surrender him for his own prosperity.

Rebecca Crawley

Manipulative, brilliant at social personification, deceptive, and ultimately caught in her own web of lies. She writes a highly scented letter to Rawdon claiming she is too ill to help him and that Lord Steyne is 'considering' a loan. She is later found by Rawdon in full toilette, dining privately with Steyne. She pleads innocence but is abandoned by her husband.

Miss Pinkerton

Vindictive and full of information regarding her former pupils. She provides Mrs. Bute with damaging documents and letters regarding Rebecca's father and upbringing.

Sambo

A loyal servant who eventually seeks to start his own business. He follows Amelia on her walks and later decides to set up a public-house after being discharged.

Miss Swartz

Wealthy, simple-minded, good-natured, and emotionally warm; she is easily flattered by the Osborne sisters. She visits the Osbornes, sings for them, and inadvertently triggers a fight when she discovers Amelia Sedley's name on a piece of music and expresses her affection for her old school friend.

Mrs. Sedley

Bitter, thankless, and poisoned by the hardships of poverty. She grumbles about their living conditions and harshly criticizes Amelia's parenting and efforts to help.

Miss Briggs

Gullible, loyal, and talkative. She prepares young Rawdon for school, inadvertently reveals Rebecca's financial deception to Lord Steyne, and is sent away to Gauntly Hall.

Joseph Sedley

Careless but generous. Mentioned as the source of the annuity that John Sedley squandered.

George Osborne, Junior (the baby)

Good-natured, honest, and adaptable. He is sent away to Whitefriars school, where he becomes a 'fag' for young Blackball but remains happy and well-provided for.

Sir Pitt Crawley

The Baronet, busy with parliamentary duties. He is away at a dinner when Rawdon's note arrives, leading Jane to act alone.

Captain William Dobbin

Loyal but distant. Mentioned as the friend Amelia feels has fallen away due to his rumored marriage.

Lady Crawley

Feeble and lonely; she 'sold her heart' to marry Sir Pitt. She dies in the country, neglected by everyone except the younger Pitt Crawley.

Lady Southdown

Strictly religious and disapproving of 'worldly' behavior. She is dismayed by Sir Pitt's return to traditional church practices and eventually retreats to Brighton.

Mr. Horrocks

Opportunistic; he transitions from butler to a local property owner and publican. He takes possession of the Crawley Arms and reconciles with the Rector.

Betsy Horrocks

The butler's daughter who was previously a favorite of the old Baronet. Mentioned as having avoided jail and married a saddler in Mudbury.

Reverend Bute Crawley

Disappointed by his small legacy, he remains under the thumb of his domineering wife while maintaining a public image of hospitality. He accompanies his wife to the Hall after Sir Pitt's stroke and sits down to drink rum with his son while his wife manages the crisis.

Rawdon Crawley

An old soldier, stoic in the face of debt, increasingly suspicious, physically powerful, and deeply grateful for genuine kindness. He is arrested for debt and taken to Moss's spunging-house. After Rebecca fails to bail him out, he is rescued by Lady Jane. He returns home to discover Rebecca's infidelity and deception, strikes Lord Steyne, and leaves his wife after discovering her hidden stash of money.

Lady Jane (Sir Pitt's wife)

Kind, soft-hearted, pious, and loyal to her family. She receives Rawdon's plea for help while Pitt is away and immediately goes to the spunging-house to pay his debts and bring him home.

Mrs. Bute Crawley

Forced into a 'decent demeanour' despite her hatred for Rebecca. She attends the Christmas dinner at the Hall and is forced to be civil to Rebecca.

Miss Maria Osborne

Cold, sensible, but capable of being touched by pity. She receives Amelia's letter, prepares the house for Georgy's arrival, and acts as the intermediary for the transition.

Miss Wirt

A former companion and governess who facilitated secret intrigues. Revealed to have been the confidante in Jane's romance with Mr. Smee before being dismissed by Mr. Osborne.

Frederick Bullock

A calculating and diplomatic banker who prioritizes money and social advancement. He negotiates a larger settlement for his marriage to Maria and manages the family's social connections to the aristocracy.

Mrs. Major O'Dowd

Domineering, impetuous, and kind-hearted; a 'dragon' among the regiment's ladies who insists on having her own way. She manages the social life of the station and aggressively plots to marry her sister Glorvina to Major Dobbin.

Lieutenant Stubble

Extravagant and prone to flirtation. Mentioned as being forced by Lady O'Dowd to end an affair and go on sick leave.

Mr. Bowls

A retired servant who now runs a lodging-house; skeptical of the Crawleys. He hosts Miss Briggs and warns her against joining Rebecca's household.

Mr. Moss

A cheerful and hospitable bailiff who runs a 'spunging-house' for debtors; he is on familiar terms with high-society debtors. He hosts Rawdon at his establishment in Cursitor Street, offering him champagne and social activities while he awaits bail.

Napoleon

The formidable French leader whose advance causes the panic in Brussels. His movements and the rumors of his victory drive the plot and the characters' decisions to flee or stay.

Betty Flanagan

Kind and respectful despite the family's poverty. She continues to serve the Sedleys, though Mrs. Sedley views her with suspicion.

Mrs. Clapp

Grumbling and impatient regarding unpaid rent. She pressures her husband to demand the forty pounds owed by the Sedleys.

Sir George Tufto, K.C.B.

Vain, a self-proclaimed lady-killer. He is mocked by Rebecca and transfers his romantic attentions to Mrs. Brent.

Mr. Clapp

Loyal but pressured by his wife. He is urged by his wife to rebel against his old friend and lodger, John Sedley.

Isidor

Opportunistic and observant; he enjoys his master's terror as it allows him to claim abandoned valuables. He feeds Jos's fears with rumors of disaster, shaves Jos's mustachios, and eventually accompanies him on the flight to Ghent.

Lord Bareacres

Bankrupt and broken down; he avoids Lord Steyne due to heavy debts. Mentioned as a pauper living on Steyne's charity and avoiding social gatherings.

Countess of Bareacres

A toothless, bald, and bankrupt old woman who clings to her former dignity despite her family's financial ruin. She attempts to snub Becky but is silenced when Becky publicly reminds her of her desperate behavior during the flight from Brussels.

Lady Blanche Thistlewood

Proud, virtuous, and resentful of her father-in-law's control; she is protective of her social rank. She initially refuses to write the invitation to Becky but is bullied into submission by Lord Steyne.

Duke of Wellington

The British commander. Rumored to be a prisoner, though later confirmed to have repulsed the French.

Clement William

Observant. He eyes Rawdon with a look of alarm or knowingness regarding Lord Steyne's 'bounty'.

Lord Steyne

Arrogant, wealthy, cynical, and predatory. He visits Rebecca while Rawdon is in prison, providing her with jewels and a thousand-pound note. He is caught by Rawdon at Curzon Street, insulted, and physically assaulted.

Mrs. Frederick Bullock

Desperate for social recognition. Mentioned as someone who would do anything to receive an invitation to Gaunt House.

Mr. Wenham

Lord Steyne's associate. Rawdon suspects him of being involved in the trap that led to his arrest.

Manager of the Performance

Self-aware and critical; he views himself as a fellow sinner among his audience. He interrupts the narrative to explain his authorial philosophy and his intent to punish his 'villainous' characters.

Tom Fool

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

A child performer belonging to a family of tumblers. He sits behind the canvas with Tom Fool during dinner.

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.

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.

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

A figure representing the devil or a collector of souls. Mentioned as the one who will fetch away the Wicked Nobleman.

Miss Jemima Pinkerton

Good-humored, foolishly kind, and generous. She is mentioned as the target of Rebecca's mockery despite her previous kindness.

Laura Martin

A young orphan student who is deeply attached to Amelia. She follows Amelia around and promises to call her 'Mamma' in her letters.

Miss Saltire

A high-born but somewhat shabby and haughty student. She asks Amelia to send letters to her via her grandfather to save on postage.

Doctor 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.

Mr. Sharp

A clever, dissolute artist, prone to drunkenness and debt. Described in backstory as the man who taught Rebecca her wit and social survival skills before dying of delirium tremens.

Rebecca's Mother

A French opera dancer of humble origins. Mentioned as the source of Rebecca's French fluency and the subject of Rebecca's lies about noble Gascon ancestry.

Reverend Mr. Crisp

Infatuated and easily led. Mentioned in a backstory regarding a scandalous intercepted note he sent to Rebecca.

Bonamy

A member of the service in India. Mentioned by Joseph as an excuse to leave the house and avoid the ladies.

Mulligatawney

A magistrate at Budgebudge and a friend of Joseph. Mentioned in Joseph's story about a past romantic pursuit in India.

Mrs. Blenkinsop

Extremely loyal and devoted to the Sedley family. She refuses to leave the Sedleys despite their ruin and follows them to their humble new home.

Dr. Gollop

The local physician. He is summoned to Queen's Crawley to bleed the unconscious Sir Pitt.

Reginald Cuff

A dashing, athletic, and arrogant school bully who is talented in Latin and French but uses his status to tyrannize younger boys. He bullies George Osborne and is subsequently defeated by Dobbin in a thirteen-round boxing match, later showing magnanimity by taking the blame.

Dr. Swishtail

The headmaster of the academy, described as somewhat intimidated by his top students. He presides over the school and awards Dobbin a prize-book for his academic progress.

Lady Dobbin

Socially active wife of the Alderman. Mentioned by Mrs. Sedley as being at Highbury with her daughters.

Mr. Brush

Solemn, correct, and grave; possesses the 'gravity of an undertaker.' He attends to the hungover Joseph and reports his master's wild behavior to George Osborne.

Pinner

Observant servant. Mentioned by Mrs. Blenkinsop as having seen Rebecca snooping through drawers.

Simpson

A well-known, simple-minded figure at Vauxhall. Mentioned as the presiding spirit of Vauxhall Gardens.

Mrs. Salmon

A singer. Mentioned as performing a cantata at the gardens.

Mrs. Tinker

Sullen, blunt, and accustomed to the Baronet's miserly ways; she acts as a servant and temporary companion to Sir Pitt. She fetches tobacco for Sir Pitt, shares a meal with him, and chaperones Rebecca during her night in London.

Walpole Crawley

A 'jolly fellow' and former baronet who was fined for peculation. Mentioned as the ancestor whose legal troubles and extravagance led to the family's current financial embarrassment.

Miss Rose Crawley

Fond of books and light literature; more studious than her sister. She reads French and English novels with Rebecca, often hiding the scandalous nature of the books from her brother.

Miss Violet Crawley

Slightly haughty regarding social class; daughter of the late Sir Pitt. She observes that Rebecca still knows her place as a former governess.

Young Cantab

A student from Cambridge who is friendly and enjoys mocking Sir Pitt. He offers Rebecca his coat during the rain and takes over driving the coach to spite Sir Pitt.

Mr. Hodson

Sir Pitt's hind or farm manager. He rides in the carriage with Sir Pitt, discusses farm business, and whips two local boys for gathering sticks.

Peter Butt

A young man who turned to smuggling and poaching after being rejected by Rose Dawson. Mentioned as the man Rose gave up to marry Sir Pitt.

Lord Binkie

A nobleman and diplomat; grandfather and patron to Pitt Crawley. Mentioned as the person who introduced Pitt to public life and served as his employer.

Mr. Glauber

A country surgeon who is easily rebuffed. He proposes marriage to Rebecca and is promptly rejected.

Sir Huddleston Fuddleston

A local baronet who wheezes at dinner. He attends the dinner parties at the Hall and is slighted by Miss Crawley in favor of Rebecca.

Miss Tuffin

An eighteen-year-old scholar proficient in many languages including Syriac. Recommended by Miss Pinkerton as a potential governess for Lady Fuddleston.

Miss Letitia Hawky

A twenty-nine-year-old scholar with red hair and a pitted face. Recommended by Miss Pinkerton as a less 'objectionable' (less attractive) governess option.

Flethers

Rawdon's servant. Mentioned as causing trouble in the housekeeper's room.

Captain Cannon

A military man and social companion of George Osborne. Mentioned as the person George is playing billiards with while Amelia waits for him.

Ensign Spooney

A tall youth in the Grenadier Company. He tries on a new bearskin cap and writes home to his parents before the regiment's departure.

Cackle

Pretentious and fond of showing off his literary knowledge. He attempts to quiz Amelia on literature and French during the party.

Mr. Chopper

A loyal and jovial clerk who respects the house of Osborne but enjoys the perks of military company. He witnesses Mr. Osborne's fit of rage, assists in the signing of the new will, and dines with Dobbin at the Slaughters'.

Mr. Hicks

The Osborne family butler. He is ordered to serve Champagne and later to call a coach for George.

Mr. Quill

Benevolent-looking but cynical. Winks at his colleague regarding Mr. Sedley's financial 'no go' status.

Mr. Driver

Cynical clerk. Confirms the dire financial status of Mr. Sedley to Mr. Quill.

the writing-master

A man with yellow hair and illegible handwriting who died years ago. Mentioned as the object of Miss Briggs's long-lost affection.

Miss Toady

Obsequious and socially calculating. Mentioned by the narrator as an example of the social climbing found in Vanity Fair.

Mrs. Briefless

Poor but of good family. Mentioned as the target of Miss Toady's flattery due to her grandfather's health.

Betty Martin

A simple maid from Hampshire who is easily bribed. She discovers Rebecca's empty room and the letter on the pincushion, having been bribed by Rebecca to assist in the secret arrangements.

Mr. Hammerdown

Loud, eloquent, and persuasive. He conducts the auction of the Sedley estate with theatrical flair.

Edward Dale

A potential suitor for Amelia mentioned by her mother. Mentioned as a better alternative to George Osborne.

Mr. Lewis

A professional lawyer. He negotiates with Rebecca in London and compliments her business acumen.

Miss Ann Dobbin

Sarcastic and prone to gossiping with her sisters. She mocks Dobbin's infatuation with Amelia and suggests he marry her himself.

Miss Bullock

A 'strong-minded' woman used as a foil to Amelia's fragility. Referenced by the narrator as someone who would not let her heart break over a man.

Mr. Clump

Bland, observant, and professional; more concerned with his 'two hundred a year' than the patient's actual comfort. He advises Mrs. Bute to take Miss Crawley out for fresh air to prevent her death (and the loss of his fees).

Dr. Squills

Cynical and clinical; evaluates Rebecca's physical 'development' and predicts Miss Crawley's demise. He consults with Clump and warns that Mrs. Bute's management will kill the patient.

Mrs. Stokes

Communicative and gossipy. She tells Mrs. Bute about the dissolute life of Mr. Sharp and Rebecca's childhood in Greek Street.

the poodle

A pampered pet used as a distraction. Occupies a seat in the carriage during the confrontation in the Park.

John of the Tapioca

A weary, humble servant in a dismal establishment. He serves the patrons of the Tapioca Coffee-house.

Mrs. Haggistoun

A social guardian and ward-manager. She is offered a five thousand pound bribe by Mr. Osborne to facilitate the marriage between George and Rhoda.

Major Wagstaff

An acquaintance of Dobbin. Mentioned by Dobbin as someone he would send wedding cake to.

John (waiter)

A servant at the coffee-house. He serves curacao to George Osborne at the Slaughters' Coffee-house.

Miss Mary Clapp

A child in the street. Used in a metaphor by the narrator to illustrate how people follow money.

Mr. Higgs

Cool, professional, and cynical; he has a low opinion of George's financial future. He processes George's request for his two thousand pounds and predicts George will end up in jail.

the old General

A feeble veteran of the Quebec campaign who prefers old military history to modern triumphs. He breakfasts with Dobbin and provides the advance warning that the regiment is moving to Belgium.

Mr. Birch

A clerk. He witnesses Mr. Osborne's new will.

George's valet

Supercilious and condescending toward those he deems social inferiors. He escorts Amelia to Fulham and receives a tip from Mr. Sedley with a mixture of wonder and contempt.

Mr. Poe

Professional and observant. He delivers Mr. Osborne's proposal to Amelia and witnesses her dramatic, angry refusal.

Mr. Kean

A famous actor. He is mentioned as performing the role of Shylock, which George goes to see.

Major O'Dowd

Placid, dutiful, and fond of his rest and a quiet tumbler of punch. He prepares for the march, sleeps soundly before the assembly, and leads the regiment out of Brussels on his charger, Pyramus.

Mrs. Kirk

Religious and inclined to hold sermons for the young men. Mentioned as having her 'little congregation' broken up by Lady O'Dowd's mockery.

Mrs. Magenis

Uneducated but sharp-tongued; prone to bragging about her family's status. She attends the party and gossips with Mrs. Bunny about George Osborne's past.

Mrs. Bunny

Frequently pregnant; a member of the regiment's social circle. She listens to Mrs. Magenis's gossip about George and Amelia.

Ensign Simple

Obedient and junior. He is sent on an errand by Mrs. O'Dowd to secure a dinner invitation for Jos Sedley.

Old Cutler

A military physician fond of professional jokes. He attends the evening party and makes jokes about the new bride.

Captain Porter

An officer of the 150th regiment. He helps Dobbin escort the intoxicated Jos Sedley back to the hotel.

Glorvina

Handsome, fresh-coloured, black-haired, and blue-eyed; an accomplished rider and musician who is desperate to find a husband. She 'lays siege' to Dobbin by singing, riding with him, and wearing a pink satin gown, but fails to win his heart.

the postilion

The son of a bankrupt Imperial General who now drives a diligence. He drives the narrator and accepts a pennyworth of beer.

Lord Uxbridge

Elegant nobleman. Seen riding in the park with the Duke's entourage.

Pauline

A loyal servant and emotional young woman. She prays for her lover at church and later hides him in the kitchen, feeding him while he recounts the battle.

Mademoiselle Reine

The object of Isidor's affection. Mentioned as the intended recipient of the jewelry Isidor plans to steal from Jos.

Regulus Van Cutsum

A Belgian hussar who lacks military courage; more interested in food and safety than glory. He deserts his regiment and returns to Pauline's kitchen in Brussels, where he tells exaggerated stories of the British army's total destruction, further panicking Jos.

Tom Stubble

Gallant and simple-hearted; he is deeply grateful to Dobbin and Osborne. He is brought back to Brussels wounded after defending the colors. He provides Amelia with the first reliable news that George and Dobbin survived the initial engagement at Quatre Bras.

Duke of Brunswick

A military leader. Reported killed in the battle.

Lady Emily

Author of religious tracts; now living in Cape Town. Mentioned as the wife of a man hoping to become a Bishop.

Mr. Waxy

A solicitor. He comes to Brighton to ratify the marriage deeds and settlement for Pitt and Lady Jane.

James Crawley

A sportsman turning toward the clergy; he is described as a 'trump' by his family. He joins the hunting parties, brings music books from the Rectory, and is encouraged by Sir Pitt to court one of the young ladies.

Tutbury Pet

A professional boxer. He meets James on the coach and drinks with him at the inn, contributing to James's bad reputation.

Rottingdean Fibber

A professional boxer. He drinks with James at the Tom Cribb's Arms.

Duchess of X

A French noblewoman who spent time in England. She writes a letter to Miss Crawley praising Rebecca, which inadvertently enrages the old lady.

Sir William Dobbin

Hesitant and intimidated by Mr. Osborne's grief. He delivers the final letter from George to Mr. Osborne in Russell Square.

The Sergeant

Respectful and knowledgeable about the regiment's actions. He acts as a guide for Mr. Osborne, taking him through the battlefields of Waterloo and Quatre Bras.

Mary Box

A favorite of Amelia's. She acts as a 'mistress of ceremonies' to introduce Major Dobbin when he visits Amelia at the Clapps' house.

Mrs. Grundy

A personification of the judgmental, observant world. The narrator uses this figure to represent the collective curiosity of society regarding how people afford their lifestyles.

Jenkins

A man living far beyond his means on a fixed salary. Used as an example of the 'living on nothing' phenomenon in Vanity Fair.

Miss Flint

One of eleven children from a small squire's family. Mentioned as Jenkins' wife who brings no fortune to the marriage.

Green

An unfortunate young officer. A victim of Rawdon's gambling who loses a considerable sum at the Crawleys' house.

Colonel O'Dowd

Protective of his junior officers and blunt. He warns Lieutenant Spooney about the Crawleys and has a violent public argument with Rawdon at a cafe.

Mrs. Brent

The new object of General Tufto's affection. She replaces Rebecca as the recipient of the General's gifts and attention.

Mademoiselle Genevieve

Rebecca's maid, who is secretly in the pay of Lord Steyne. She delivers Rawdon's messenger's news to Rebecca and later finds Rebecca in despair after Rawdon leaves, gathering up the fallen jewels.

Charles Raggles

A former butler who is industrious, frugal, and intensely loyal to the Crawley family to his own detriment. He purchases the lease of the Curzon Street house and allows the Crawleys to live there without paying rent, eventually leading to his financial ruin and imprisonment.

Mrs. Raggles

A former cook for Miss Crawley who helped her husband build a greengrocery business. She manages the kitchen for the Crawleys' dinner parties while her husband acts as butler.

Corporal Clink

A veteran of Waterloo and former subordinate of Rawdon. He facilitates the meeting between Rawdon and John Sedley in the park.

Dolly

Compassionate and hardworking. She comforts little Rawdon in the night and takes care of him in the nursery.

Dr. Pestler

A soft-hearted physician who becomes highly successful and fashionable over the years. He attends to Georgy's illnesses and observes Amelia's intense maternal devotion.

Mr. Linton

A personable young gentleman and 'slave' to Amelia's charm. He provides extra care and treats for Georgy, often visiting without charging fees.

Reverend Mr. Binny

A curate of Brompton. Reported in Ann Dobbin's letter as being the man Amelia is about to marry.

Miss Binny

Critical and jealous of Amelia's popularity with men. She disparages Amelia's character to her brother, preferring the wealthy Miss Grits.

Chevalier de Talonrouge

Powdered, courteous, and gallant; an old-fashioned French exile. He expresses hyperbolic admiration for Amelia, calling her a 'divine creature.'

Misses Dobbin

Kind-hearted but gossipy sisters who facilitate the connection between Amelia and the Osborne family. They take Georgy to Denmark Hill and keep Jane Osborne informed about Amelia's life.

Glorvina O'Dowd

Beautiful and accomplished. Mentioned as the woman Major Dobbin is expected to marry in India.

Mr. Woolsey

Professional tailor. He arrives to measure Georgy for a new suit of clothes on Dobbin's orders.

Emma

One of Bute's daughters; a poet known as the 'County Bulbul.' She writes verses for the local newspaper to maintain the family's social standing.

Fanny de Butterbrod

One of Bute's daughters; a singer. She performs duets under her mother's rigid drilling.

Matilda (Mrs. Bute's daughter)

One of Bute's daughters; a singer. She performs duets with Fanny.

Hester

Duplicitous; outwardly bland and gentle to her superiors but cruel and abusive to her senile patient in private. She nurses the elder Sir Pitt in his final days and announces his death to the new Baronet.

Mrs. Brown

A servant at the Hall. She assists Mrs. Bute in searching Betsy Horrocks' room.

Beddoes

A servant at the Hall. He is ordered by Mrs. Bute to guard Betsy and prepare to drive her to jail.

Sir Pitt Crawley (the elder)

Senile, physically incapacitated, and reduced to a whimpering state before his death. He spends his final months in a state of mental decay under the care of Hester before dying at the start of the chapter.

Miss Rosalind

Liberal-minded but gossipy; daughter of the late Sir Pitt. She discusses Rebecca's improved appearance and social status with her sister.

Master Pitt Crawley

Pale, heavy-eyed, and large-headed; frequently medicated. He is introduced to Rebecca in the nursery.

Mrs. Lock

She is seen at the newly restored lodge-gate as the family arrives.

Dawson

A local tradesman in Mudbury. Mentioned as having his shutters up for the funeral; Rebecca recalls a past incident involving him.

Polly Talboys

A local girl who has grown up significantly since Rebecca last saw her. She stands by her mother's cottage as the carriage passes.

Reverend Lawrence Grills

Minister of a chapel in May Fair. Mentioned by Rebecca to flatter Lady Southdown.

Mr. Smee

A portrait-painter and R.A. who was once a drawing master. He is mentioned in a flashback as Jane's former drawing master and secret lover who was violently expelled by Mr. Osborne.

Frederick Augustus Howard Stanley Devereux Bullock

The first-born son of Maria and Frederick Bullock. His christening serves as a point of contention between Mr. Osborne and the Bullocks.

Sir Michael O'Dowd

Stout, good-tempered, and physically active despite age and heat; a brave officer who enjoys his meals and hookah. He resists his wife's pressure to force Dobbin into a marriage and eventually grants Dobbin leave to return to England.

Ann Dobbin

Crabbed-handed, frank, and inclined to collect and share bad news. She writes the letter that informs Dobbin of Amelia's supposed engagement to Mr. Binny.

Mrs. Posky

A victim of her husband's drunken rage. Mentioned as being sheltered by Lady O'Dowd after fleeing her husband.

Mr. Posky

An officer prone to drinking and violence. Mentioned as being cured of his drinking habit by Lady O'Dowd's intervention.

Lady Smith

Wife of a judge, involved in a long-standing social feud with Lady O'Dowd. Mentioned as the rival who Lady O'Dowd refused to walk behind.

Captain Bangles

A cavalry officer. Mentioned as taking Glorvina to supper at the ball.

Mr. Raggles

Patient creditor. He watches the grand carriage from his shop and later receives fifty pounds on account from Rebecca.

Molly

Kind and faithful. She weeps when young Rawdon leaves for school despite not being paid her wages.

Pitt Binkie Southdown

Reserved and observant. He meets his cousin Rawdon at the Hall and examines him with curiosity.

Sir Huddlestone Fuddlestone

A man of few words, focused on hunting and country business. He leads the hunt that meets at Queen's Crawley and consults with Sir Pitt on the state of the country.

Tom Moody

An expert huntsman with a voice 'unmatched at rating'. He brings the hounds to the Hall and manages the pack during the meet.

boy Jack

A very small boy, weighing only five stone. He assists his father with the hunt, riding the horse named the Nob.

Horn

An expert on dogs and game. He accompanies Rawdon and Jim on a pheasant shoot and a rat-hunt.

Archdeacon Trumper

A church official who enjoys a game of whist. He invites Sir Pitt to play cards, signaling Sir Pitt's shift toward more orthodox social circles.

Pitt Binkie

Sickly and pale. He follows his cousin Rawdon around the estate.

Master Smith

A schoolboy who fought Georgy; later becomes an apothecary. Mentioned as the boy who gave Georgy a black eye.

Marchioness of Steyne

Submissive, wan, and sentimental; she lives in fear of her husband but retains a deep love for the religious music of her youth. She is forced to invite Becky and later asks Becky to sing, becoming emotionally moved by the performance.

Tom Eaves

A man who knows everyone's affairs and secrets in London society. He is sardonic and gossipy, providing the narrator with the 'true' history of the great families. He acts as the primary informant for the narrator, detailing the scandals, financial secrets, and internal miseries of the Steyne family.

Lord Gaunt

The eldest son and heir of Lord Steyne. He lives away from home, borrows money on post-obits, and is in a state of constant hostility with his father. Mentioned as the disappointing heir who has no children, necessitating his brother's return to England.

Lord George Gaunt

A child of the Gaunt family, frightened of his grandfather. He is sent out of the room by Lord Steyne and later called away from Becky by his mother.

Joan Johnes

Daughter of a wealthy banker. Married Lord George Gaunt for his status, bringing her banking wealth into the family.

Father Mole

The Marchioness's Catholic director and companion. He accompanies the Marchioness on her morning services and visits to her son; he was often used by Lord Steyne as a verbal sparring partner against Mr. Trail.

Reverend Mr. Trail

A clergyman who rose to become a Bishop through Lord Steyne's influence. Mentioned as the former tutor to Steyne's sons who engaged in theological debates for the Marquis's amusement.

George IV

The monarch of England. He attends the party, is highly impressed by Rebecca's acting, and dines with her at the exclusive supper table.

Mr. Polonius

Jeweler. Rebecca claims to have hired her diamonds from him to deceive Rawdon.

Spavin

Livery stable owner. He is paid fifty pounds by Rebecca to ensure her future carriage service is not interrupted.

Prince of Peterwaradin

A wealthy foreign potentate. He dances a waltz with Rebecca, scattering diamonds from his boots in his enthusiasm.

Mr. John Paul Jefferson Jones

Observant, slightly pompous, and socially climbing; he writes detailed accounts of high society for an American newspaper. He records the details of the dinner party and is annoyed when Lord Southdown takes precedence over him.

Miss Clapp

Supportive of Amelia and admiring of her art. She accompanies Amelia to various shops to try and sell painted screens.

Shopkeeper

Sneering and dismissive. He rejects Amelia's artwork and allows her advertisement to sit uselessly on his counter.

Housekeeper

Nostalgic and gossipy. She helps prepare George's room and comments on the 'good old times' returning.

Mrs. Winkworth

Beautiful with dark eyes and hair. She performs in the first charade but is socially eclipsed by Rebecca's later performance.

Mr. Wagg

A wit and 'led captain' for Lord Steyne. He attempts to mock Rebecca at dinner but is sharply rebuked by her and subsequently punished by Lord Steyne's coldness.

Bedwin Sands

An Eastern traveller and dandy. He acts as the manager of the revels and performs in the Turkish-themed charade.

Duc de la Jabotiere

A refined French Ambassador. He admires Rebecca's dancing and French fluency, declaring her fit to be an ambassadress.

Young Blackball

A senior student, somewhat of a bully but manageable. He takes young Rawdon as his 'fag' at school and is tipped by the Colonel to ensure his goodwill.

Mr. Fiche

Informant. He tracks the Crawleys' movements for Lord Steyne.

Mrs. Pilkington

Old, feeble, and rheumatic. Mentioned as the woman Miss Briggs is intended to eventually succeed.

Miss Moss

A dark-eyed, somewhat slovenly young woman who assists in her father's business. She serves Rawdon tea and breakfast, brings him the newspaper, and later appears at the dinner table.

Mrs. Moss

The hostess of the spunging-house. She presides over the table d'hote and drinks to Rawdon's health.

Captain Walker

A fellow debtor. He plays cards with Rawdon in the coffee-room to pass the time.

Young Moss

A red-headed boy who assists his father. He lets Rawdon into the house, brings him his dressing-case, and answers the door for Lady Jane.

Nathan

A creditor. The man to whom Rawdon owes the debt that led to his arrest.

Russell Square

The large, gloomy, and respectable residence of Mr. Osborne, filled with expensive plate and mournful echoes.

Great Gaunt Street

A gloomy London street characterized by tall houses with hatchments, where death seems to reign perpetual.

Queen's Crawley

The family estate of the Crawleys, featuring an old library filled with 18th-century literature and extensive grounds including shrubberies and farms.

Mudbury

A location four miles from Queen's Crawley where the family carriage meets the stagecoach.

Pumpernickel

A small German duchy located in a happy valley along the Pump River, known for its Court, mineral springs, and theatre.

Park Lane

Miss Crawley's London residence, currently darkened and silenced by Mrs. Bute's orders.

Brompton

The location of the small, comfortable lodgings where Rawdon and Rebecca live in secret.

Hyde Park

A public park in London where the elite gather to see and be seen.

Slaughters' Coffee-house

A London establishment in St. Martin's Lane where Jos and Dobbin stay.

Fulham

The location of the humble cottage where the ruined Sedleys now reside.

Brighton

A seaside town where Miss Crawley is recovering and where the struggle for her inheritance takes place.

Brussels

A city in a state of total chaos, filled with fleeing aristocrats, praying women, and wounded soldiers.

Paris

The center of social life in 1815-16, filled with international military and aristocratic figures.

Curzon Street

The location of the Rawdon Crawleys' small but fashionable London house.

Gaunt House

A vast, dreary town palace in Gaunt Square with rustic columns and a great gate. It is filled with luxury but lacks smoke in its chimneys and hospitality in its halls.

Vanity Fair

Chiswick Mall

Miss Pinkerton's Academy

Soho

Boggley Wollah

Vauxhall

Dr. Swishtail’s Academy

Thames Street

Vauxhall Gardens

Joseph Sedley's Lodgings

The Trafalgar Coach

Leakington

The Rectory

Queen's Crawley (The Hall)

The Osborne House

Cheltenham

Chatham Barracks

Mr. Osborne's House

Hulker & Bullock's Bank

Old Slaughters'

St. Adelaide Villas

The Sedleys' New House

The Slaughters'

Chatham

Minerva House

Greek Street

The Sedley's Cottage

Tapioca Coffee-house

Chapel near Fulham Road

Ship Inn

London

The Study

The Beach at Brighton

Hotel in Cavendish Square

Bedford Row

Lombard Street

The Inn at Chatham

Mrs. O'Dowd's Quarters

Ostend

Bruges

Ghent

The Park, Brussels

Brussels Opera-house

The Duchess's Ball

Hotel du Parc

Jos Sedley’s Lodgings

The Parc

Waterloo

The Albany

Queen's Crawley Rectory

Tom Cribb's Arms

Waterloo and Quatre Bras

Laeken

Curzon Street, May Fair

Calais

Fleet Prison

Bengal

Denmark Hill

The Tavern Club

The Crawley Arms

Half Moon Street

Berkeley Square

Bundlegunge

Madras

Winchester

Ludgate Hill

St. Paul's Churchyard

Gaunt Square

St. John's Wood

St. James's Palace

Messrs. Jones, Brown, and Robinson

Foundling Church

Levant House

Whitefriars

Gauntly Hall

Mr. Moss's Mansion

Curzon Street House

Gaunt Street