Chapter 2: In Which Miss Sharp and Miss Sedley Prepare to Open the Campaign

This chapter
Characters 32
Places 6
As they leave Chiswick, Rebecca Sharp openly declares her hatred for Miss Pinkerton and the academy, while the narrator reveals her background as the daughter of a penniless artist and a French opera-girl. Upon arriving at the Sedley home in Russell Square, Rebecca learns that Amelia's brother Joseph is a wealthy, unmarried 'nabob' and immediately resolves to try and marry him.

On stage

Rebecca Sharp After throwing the dictionary, she expresses her deep hatred for Miss Pinkerton and the school. She travels to London with Amelia, reveals her difficult upbringing, and decides to try and marry Amelia's rich brother, Joseph.
Amelia Sedley She is shocked by Rebecca's defiance but remains her loyal friend, taking her home to Russell Square and showering her with gifts and affection.
Sambo He helps Amelia out of the carriage when they arrive at Russell Square.
The young officer of the Life Guards He admires Amelia as she drives by in the carriage.

Mentioned

Miss Pinkerton Mentioned extensively in flashbacks regarding her power struggles with Rebecca and her relief at Rebecca's departure.
Miss Jemima Pinkerton Mentioned as the person at whose feet the dictionary fell and as a victim of Rebecca's past mockery.
John Sedley Mentioned as being at home to welcome Amelia.
Mrs. Sedley Mentioned as being at home to welcome Amelia.
Joseph Sedley He is discussed by Amelia and Rebecca; Rebecca decides to try and marry him because of his wealth.
Mr. Sharp Described in a flashback regarding Rebecca's upbringing and how he secured her position at Chiswick.
Rebecca's mother Mentioned in the context of Rebecca's heritage and linguistic skills.
The Reverend Mr. Crisp Mentioned in a flashback as an example of Rebecca's early romantic entanglements.
Mrs. Crisp Mentioned as the person who ended the affair between her son and Rebecca.
Miss Swindle Mentioned as the original owner of the doll Rebecca used for mockery.
The Reverend Mr. Flowerdew Mentioned as the person Mr. Crisp served under.
Sir Pitt Crawley Mentioned as the reason Rebecca is leaving the academy.
Miss Crump Mentioned as a potential (but rejected) heroine for the book.
Miss Hopkins Mentioned as a potential (but rejected) heroine for the book.
The old gentleman of sixty-eight Used as an example of how school-day terrors can last a lifetime.
Dr. Raine Mentioned in the old gentleman's dream.
The tart-woman Mentioned as the person who intercepted/delivered the note in the Crisp affair.

Settings

Chiswick The location of Miss Pinkerton's academy for young ladies.
Soho A district in London where Rebecca's father lived and where she grew up among artists.
Russell Square The wealthy London residential area where the Sedley family lives.
Kensington turnpike A turnpike passed by the carriage on the way to London.
Main 8

Amelia Sedley

Also known as: Emmy, Mrs. George, Mrs. Osborne, the Widow Osborne, Mrs. George Osborne

A kind, gentle, and wealthy young lady, now seventeen, who has just finished six years at Miss Pinkerton's academy. She is the daughter of John Sedley and is considered the 'heroine' of the work due to her good-natured and humble temper. She is very attached to Rebecca Sharp, despite Rebecca's rebellious nature.

John Sedley daughterMrs. Sedley daughterMiss Pinkerton pupilMiss Jemima Pinkerton pupil and friendBecky Sharp friend and schoolmate +7 more
Chapters 1, 2

Rebecca Sharp

Also known as: Becky Sharp, Miss Sharp, the person, Mrs. Rebecca, Mrs. Rawdon Crawley, Mrs. Crawley, The Nightingale, Madame de Raudon, Madame Rebecque, Lady Crawley

A nineteen-year-old orphan and former articled pupil at Miss Pinkerton's academy. She is small, slight, pale, and sandy-haired with large, attractive eyes. The daughter of a clever, dissolute artist and a French opera-girl, she grew up in the artists' quarters of London (Soho), becoming 'a woman since she was eight' due to her father's debts and drinking. She is highly intelligent, a talented mimic, speaks perfect Parisian French, and is a skilled musician. She is described as a misanthropist who feels the world has used her ill, leading her to be revengeful, envious, and calculating. She has been appointed as a governess for Sir Pitt Crawley's family.

Amelia Sedley friend and schoolmateMiss Pinkerton pupil and antagonistMiss Jemima Pinkerton pupilMr. Sharp daughterJoseph Sedley potential romantic target +7 more
Chapters 1, 2

Sambo

A black servant of the Sedley family. He is cheerful and assists the young ladies upon their arrival in London.

Amelia Sedley servantJohn Sedley servantMrs. Sedley servantRebecca Sharp admirer of her politeness
Chapters 1, 2

John Sedley

Amelia's father, a wealthy London merchant. He is described as a kind parent.

Amelia Sedley fatherMrs. Sedley husbandJoseph Sedley fatherRebecca Sharp benefactor
Chapters 1, 2

Mrs. Sedley

Amelia's mother. She is described as kind and affectionate.

Amelia Sedley motherJohn Sedley wifeJoseph Sedley motherRebecca Sharp hostess
Chapters 1, 2

Miss Briggs

Also known as: Arabella, Miss B.

A student at the academy.

Amelia Sedley friendRebecca Sharp rival
Chapter 1

Joseph Sedley

Also known as: Jos, Waterloo Sedley, Jos, Waterloo Sedley

Amelia's brother who has recently returned from India after a ten-year absence. He is a 'nabob' with a large income, is unmarried, and is described by Amelia as being somewhat distant and fond of his pipe. He brought his sister two magnificent Cashmere shawls.

Amelia Sedley brotherJohn Sedley sonRebecca Sharp target of her matrimonial schemesMrs. Sedley son
Chapter 2

Sir Pitt Crawley

Also known as: Mr. Crawley

A family in need of a governess, to whom Miss Pinkerton recommended Rebecca.

Rebecca Sharp future employerLady Crawley husband
Chapter 2
Secondary 8

Miss Pinkerton

Also known as: The Semiramis of Hammersmith, Minerva

The majestic and pompous headmistress of the academy at Chiswick. She has a Roman nose and wears a turban. She prides herself on her authority and was eventually outmaneuvered by Rebecca Sharp's defiance and French-speaking tactics. She recommended Rebecca to Sir Pitt Crawley just to get her out of her house.

Miss Jemima Pinkerton sisterAmelia Sedley teacherRebecca Sharp teacher and antagonistDoctor Samuel Johnson friendMrs. Chapone correspondent +1 more
Chapters 1, 2

Miss Jemima Pinkerton

Also known as: Miss Jemmy

The soft-hearted and nervous sister of Miss Pinkerton. She was kind to Rebecca, giving her gifts and food, though Rebecca mocked her in return by making a doll in her likeness.

Miss Pinkerton sisterAmelia Sedley teacher and friendRebecca Sharp teacher and benefactor
Chapters 1, 2

Miss Swartz

Also known as: Rhoda Swartz

A rich, woolly-haired mulatto student from St. Kitt's and a parlour-boarder at the academy. She is very emotional and prone to hysterics.

Amelia Sedley friend
Chapter 1

Miss Saltire

A student at the academy and granddaughter of the Earl of Dexter. She is described as "high and mighty" and somewhat shabby.

Amelia Sedley friend
Chapter 1

Laura Martin

A young orphan student at the academy who is very attached to Amelia.

Amelia Sedley friend and 'child' figure
Chapter 1

The fat coachman

A fat man in a three-cornered hat and wig who drives the Sedley family coach.

John Sedley servant
Chapter 1

The dancing-master

A teacher who arrives for a lesson just as the girls are leaving.

Chapter 1

The young officer of the Life Guards

A young officer who notices Amelia as the carriage passes.

Chapter 2
Mentioned 16
Doctor Samuel Johnson He is frequently mentioned by Miss Pinkerton to bolster her own status.
Mrs. Chapone Mentioned as a distinguished correspondent of Miss Pinkerton.
Miss Birch Mentioned as one of the few occasions Miss Pinkerton wrote a personal letter.
Dr. Floss Mentioned as being sent for to treat Miss Swartz.
Jones Mentioned as a hypothetical neighbor whose ability to make ends meet is a source of wonder.
Mr. Sharp Described in a flashback regarding Rebecca's upbringing and how he secured her position at Chiswick.
Rebecca's mother Her supposed noble lineage is used by Rebecca to gain social standing with Pitt Crawley.
The Reverend Mr. Crisp Mentioned in a flashback as an example of Rebecca's early romantic entanglements.
Mrs. Crisp Mentioned as the person who ended the affair between her son and Rebecca.
Miss Swindle Mentioned as the original owner of the doll Rebecca used for mockery.
The Reverend Mr. Flowerdew Mentioned as the person Mr. Crisp served under.
Miss Crump Mentioned as a potential (but rejected) heroine for the book.
Miss Hopkins Mentioned as a potential (but rejected) heroine for the book.
The old gentleman of sixty-eight Used as an example of how school-day terrors can last a lifetime.
Dr. Raine Mentioned in the old gentleman's dream.
The tart-woman Mentioned as the person who intercepted/delivered the note in the Crisp affair.
Main 2

Miss Pinkerton's Academy

A stately old brick house with a great iron gate and a brass plate, located on Chiswick Mall. It serves as an academy for young ladies.

  • Amelia Sedley and Becky Sharp prepare to leave the school.
  • Miss Pinkerton delivers a formal farewell to Amelia.
  • Becky Sharp defies Miss Pinkerton in the drawing-room.
  • The students and servants gather in the hall for a tearful goodbye.
Chapter 1

Russell Square

The wealthy London residential area where the Sedley family lives.

  • Mentioned in Miss Pinkerton's letter as Becky's destination.
  • The carriage arrives here at the end of the chapter, and Amelia welcomes Rebecca into her home.
  • Rebecca meets Joseph Sedley for the first time.
  • The family and Rebecca have a dinner featuring Indian curry and chilis.
  • Rebecca sings at the piano while Joseph sneaks out to the theater.
  • Rebecca charms the family and servants.
  • Joseph and George visit.
  • A thunderstorm keeps the young people at home while the parents go out to dinner.
  • Rebecca and Joseph share a moment over a green silk purse.
  • The characters gather for dinner before going to Vauxhall.
  • Captain Dobbin arrives and meets the adult Amelia for the first time.
  • The party prepares for Vauxhall.
  • Amelia and Rebecca wait for Joseph's return.
  • Rebecca receives Joseph's rejection letter and leaves the house.
  • Amelia spends her time here dreaming of George and writing him letters.
  • Captain Dobbin visits and finds Amelia alone and sad.
  • Amelia dines with the Osborne family in a tense and gloomy atmosphere.
  • Mr. Osborne tells George he will not allow the marriage unless Amelia's dowry is paid.
  • Miss Crawley and Rebecca visit Amelia here in her carriage.
  • Rebecca uses a visit here as an alibi for her secret wedding.
  • John Sedley reveals the family's ruin to his wife here.
  • The house is seized and the furniture sold.
  • Mentioned as the home of the 'black-browed old tyrant' John Osborne.
  • Mr. Osborne flatters Miss Swartz and bribes Mrs. Haggistoun.
  • Miss Swartz discovers Amelia's name on a music book.
  • George and his father have a violent confrontation over dinner regarding Amelia and Miss Swartz.
  • Captain Dobbin visits the house to speak with Jane Osborne and reveal the secret of George's marriage.
  • The family shares a silent, gloomy dinner after the news of the marriage.
  • Mr. Osborne retires to his study to burn his will and alter the family Bible.
  • Mr. Osborne receives George's final letter here.
  • The family lives in seclusion following the news of Waterloo.
  • Mr. Osborne and Jane live here in silence and tension.
  • Jane Osborne meets her nephew Georgy here (or nearby) and later tells her father about him.
  • Mr. Osborne meditates on his grandson and sends a proposal for adoption.
  • Maria Bullock visits her father to ask for money.
  • Mr. Osborne receives Amelia's letter and triumphs over her surrender.
  • George's old room is reopened and prepared for his son.
  • Georgy arrives to live with his grandfather.
  • Georgy establishes himself as the heir and master of the house.
  • Mr. Osborne hosts dinners where Georgy's precocious behavior is displayed.
  • Georgy fights Master Toffy in the square.
  • Mr. Osborne dies of a fit here.
  • Amelia and Georgy visit the empty house before it is closed up.
Chapters 1, 2
Secondary 4

Chiswick Mall

The street in London where Miss Pinkerton's academy is located.

Chiswick

The location of Miss Pinkerton's academy for young ladies.

Soho

A district in London where Rebecca's father lived and where she grew up among artists.

Kensington turnpike

A turnpike passed by the carriage on the way to London.

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