Chapter 36: How to Live Well on Nothing a Year

Amelia Sedley

Amelia Sedley, now Mrs. Captain Osborne and later a widow. A gentle and devoted woman who suffered a period of mental instability and profound grief following the death of her husband, George, at Waterloo. She eventually gives birth to a son, also named George, who becomes the sole focus of her life and devotion. She lives in humble lodgings in Fulham with her parents.

Rebecca Sharp

A sharp-eyed and calculating woman, now married to Rawdon Crawley. She is a social success in Paris and London, an expert at managing finances and people. She is indifferent to her son but highly effective at navigating the social and legal challenges of living without a fixed income.

Sambo

The black servant of the Sedley family. Upon the family's ruin, he decides to set up a public-house.

John Sedley

Amelia's father, a ruined merchant. He remains preoccupied with his papers and the political state of Europe, blaming Napoleon for his troubles. He shows a flash of his old hospitable self by offering wine and money to George's valet.

Mrs. Sedley

Amelia's mother. She is overjoyed to see her daughter and finds a return to her old self while helping Amelia shop for her wedding outfit.

Miss Briggs

Miss Crawley's long-suffering companion. She is sentimental, easily moved to tears, and bears Miss Crawley's sarcasms with meekness. She is the author of 'Lyrics of the Heart.' In this chapter, she is delighted by the attention of Lady Southdown and acts as an intermediary for the family news.

Joseph Sedley

Amelia's brother, a wealthy and gluttonous collector from India. He is vain and profoundly cowardly. In this chapter, he is consumed by panic, shaves off his military-style mustachios to avoid being targeted by the French, and eventually flees Brussels on horseback.

Sir Pitt Crawley

The wealthy and miserly second Baronet. In this chapter, he is reported to be abandoned to rum-and-water and the society of the Horrocks family.

George Osborne

A vain officer, married to Amelia. In this chapter, he is reported to have saved Ensign Stubble's life during the battle. He is killed by a bullet through the heart at the end of the chapter.

William Dobbin

George's loyal friend, now promoted to Major. He is the executor of George's will and the primary protector of Amelia and her child. He is deeply in love with Amelia but accepts that she only views him with "hopeless kindness."

Pitt Crawley

The eldest son of Sir Pitt Crawley. A pompous, religious, and stiff man. He is a calculating diplomatist. In this chapter, he successfully maneuvers to win his aunt's favor by praising Napoleon and Fox, and eventually marries Lady Jane Sheepshanks.

Rawdon Crawley

The second son of Sir Pitt. Now a Lieutenant-Colonel on half-pay after selling out of the Guards. He is a consummate master of billiards and cards, using these skills to fund his lifestyle. He is a devoted father to his son, Rawdon.

Miss Crawley

Sir Pitt's wealthy, cynical, and worldly half-sister. She dies in this chapter.

Mrs. Bute Crawley

The Rector's wife. She is a 'clever woman' but described as having a 'devil of a temper' and being a 'screw' with money. In this chapter, she sends her son James to Brighton in a desperate attempt to regain Miss Crawley's favor.

Lady Jane Sheepshanks

The daughter of Lady Southdown. She is gentle, blushing, silent, and timid. She is entirely managed by her mother. In this chapter, she wins Miss Crawley's heart with her innocence and piano playing, and marries Pitt Crawley.

Mrs. Firkin

Miss Crawley's lady's maid. In this chapter, she is described as not being jealous of Lady Jane due to the latter's goodness.

Miss Osborne

The eldest daughter of Mr. Osborne. She remains in mourning for her brother.

Maria Osborne

The younger daughter of Mr. Osborne. She is deeply affected by the sight of her brother's memorial.

Miss Wirt

The governess to the Misses Osborne. She is sycophantic toward wealth and spends her time conning over the peerage with chaperones. She is observant and cynical. She only enters Mr. Osborne's study four times a year to receive her salary.

Frederick Bullock

Maria Osborne's fiancé. He is a partner in a banking firm.

Mr. Osborne

George's father, a wealthy, bitter, and proud merchant. He is devastated by his son's death but remains too proud to openly forgive him or recognize his widow. He is obsessed with his own righteousness and social standing, even erecting a pompous monument to George in church.

Ensign Stubble

A young ensign in the regiment who was wounded at Waterloo. He is recovering in Brussels.

Mrs. Major O'Dowd

The wife of Major O'Dowd. She is a practical and stout-hearted woman. In this chapter, she is confrontational toward Rebecca.

Mr. Bowls

Miss Crawley's butler in Brighton. In this chapter, he is tasked with paying James Crawley's scandalous bill and discovers James smoking in his room.

Mr. Moss

A professional bidder or agent for creditors. In this chapter, he represents Mr. Manasseh.

Mr. Clapp

The landlord of the Sedleys' lodgings in Fulham.

The Irish servant-girl

The kind-hearted Irish servant-girl at the Sedleys' lodgings.

Mrs. Clapp

The landlady of the lodgings in Brompton where the Sedleys are staying.

Major Michael O'Dowd

The Major of the regiment, a brave and decorated soldier. He is protective of his subordinates.

Lord Bareacres

An English Earl. In this chapter, he is desperate to flee Brussels and eventually manages to procure horses to escape to Ghent.

Lady Bareacres

The wife of Lord Bareacres. She is proud and has previously snubbed Rebecca Sharp. In this chapter, she is forced to humiliate herself by begging Rebecca for horses, only to be mocked and refused.

Lady Southdown

The mother of Lady Jane and Lady Emily. A formidable, 'strong-minded' woman and a leader in the serious/religious world. She is a 'missionary of the truth' who forces her religious views and quack medicines on everyone around her. In this chapter, she takes control of Miss Crawley's household.

George Osborne Junior

The infant son of George and Amelia Osborne, born after his father's death at Waterloo. He is described as beautiful as a cherub with his father's eyes.

Rawdon Crawley Junior

The young son of Rawdon and Rebecca Crawley. He is neglected by his mother but loved by his father. He spent his early months with a foster nurse near Paris.

Miss Pinkerton

The majestic headmistress of the academy at Chiswick. She provides Mrs. Bute with damaging information about Rebecca's past.

Miss Jemima Pinkerton

The soft-hearted sister of Miss Pinkerton.

Miss Swartz

A rich mulatto heiress from St. Kitt's. She is a former pupil of Miss Pinkerton's and a friend of Amelia Sedley. She was the woman Mr. Osborne intended for George.

Miss Saltire

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

Laura Martin

A young orphan student from Miss Pinkerton's academy who stays with Amelia during the holidays. Amelia treats her as a confidante.

The fat coachman

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

The dancing-master

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

The young officer of the Life Guards

A young officer who notices Amelia as the carriage passes.

Mrs. Blenkinsop

The housekeeper for the Sedley family. She is the only servant who stays with the family after their ruin, despite not receiving wages.

Reginald Cuff

The aristocratic and accomplished bully of Dr. Swishtail’s academy. He was wealthy, skilled in Latin and French, and ruled the school until he was defeated in a fair fight by William Dobbin. Despite his bullying, he showed magnanimity by taking the blame for the fight to save Dobbin from a flogging.

Sir William Dobbin

William Dobbin's father, a wealthy Alderman and merchant.

The Misses Dobbin

The daughters of Sir William Dobbin, described by Mrs. Sedley as ungraceful.

Lord Wellington

The British commander. In this chapter, he leads the defense against Napoleon's forces.

The cook

A servant in the Sedley household who is in love with Sambo.

Mr. Brush

Joseph Sedley's valet. He is described as solemn, correct, and grave, resembling an undertaker.

Simpson

The Master of Ceremonies at Vauxhall Gardens.

Mrs. Tinker

A surly and solemn charwoman at Sir Pitt Crawley's London house. She is described as "faithful" but is blunt about Sir Pitt's miserly nature. She shares a bed with Rebecca on her first night.

John the groom

A groom in the Sedley family service. He is protective of the other servants' interests and has a low opinion of Rebecca Sharp.

The Reverend Bute Crawley

The Rector of Crawley-cum-Snailby and brother to Sir Pitt. In this chapter, he is recovering from a broken collar-bone and suggests sending his son James to Brighton.

The young man from Cambridge

The son of Bute Crawley. A handsome but awkward young man, educated at Oxford where he was 'plucked' twice. He is a 'sporting man' fond of dogs, boxing, and drinking. In this chapter, he ruins his chances with Miss Crawley by drinking eighteen glasses of gin and smoking tobacco in her house.

Joe

An ostler at the coach office who recognizes Sir Pitt.

The milk-boy

A boy who rings the doorbell for John the groom.

Lady Crawley

The second wife of Sir Pitt Crawley. She is described as indolent, void of character, and of no consequence in her own house. She is frequently bypassed by Rebecca in household matters.

Horrocks

The butler at Queen's Crawley. He used to be Sir Pitt's primary conversational partner at dinner before Rebecca took his place.

Rose Crawley

The eldest daughter of Sir Pitt and the second Lady Crawley. She is fond of books and reads French and English literature with Rebecca, including works by Smollett and Fielding.

Violet Crawley

The younger daughter of Sir Pitt and the second Lady Crawley. She is boisterous, likes to rob bird nests, ride colts, and steal jam. She is the favorite of her father and the stablemen.

Mr. Hodson

Sir Pitt's hind (farm manager) from Mudbury.

Miss Horrocks

A servant in the Crawley household whose influence over Sir Pitt has grown, much to the horror of the local gentry and Pitt Crawley.

The guard

The guard on the coach to Mudbury.

The little boys gathering sticks

Two young boys caught gathering sticks in the wood.

Gorer and Aroarer

Sir Pitt's bloodhounds. Gorer is a male who has "killed a man," and Aroarer (formerly Flora) is an old female.

Lady Emily Sheepshanks

The daughter of Lady Southdown and author of religious tracts like 'The Washerwoman of Finchley Common.' She is a religious enthusiast who is eager to convert others through denunciations of future punishment.

Lord Southdown

The fourth Earl of Southdown. In this chapter, he gives away his sister Lady Jane at her wedding.

Mr. Glauber

A young country doctor/apothecary who proposed to Rebecca Sharp and was rejected.

Ensign Spooney

A tall youth and ensign in the Grenadier Company of the regiment.

Cackle

The assistant surgeon who tries to impress Amelia with his knowledge of literature and French.

Glorvina

Mrs. O'Dowd's sister in Ireland. Mrs. O'Dowd frequently suggests she would be a perfect match for Joseph Sedley.

Hicks

The butler at the Osborne household.

Mr. Chopper

Mr. Osborne's head clerk in the City. He is a loyal employee who respects the house of Osborne and hopes for George to marry into nobility. He is a family man living in Somers' Town.

Mr. Quill

A cashier at Hulker & Bullock's bank.

Mr. Driver

A clerk at Hulker & Bullock's bank.

Mr. Clump

A young country doctor/apothecary. He is part of the medical team attending to Miss Crawley in London. He is observant and somewhat cynical about Mrs. Bute's "devotion."

Betty Martin

A young woman from Hampshire working as an upstairs maid in Miss Crawley's London house. She has a brother in Rawdon's troop.

Mr. Hammerdown

The auctioneer presiding over the sale of the Sedley estate.

Blowman

An assistant or porter at the auction.

Mr. Lewis

An agent or lawyer who bids on behalf of creditors. In this chapter, he represents Mr. Davids.

Miss Jane Dobbin

The eldest daughter of Sir William Dobbin. She is critical of Amelia's conduct and parents.

Miss Ann Dobbin

The daughter of Sir William Dobbin, described as the 'wit' of the family. She sarcastically suggests William should marry Amelia himself.

Dr. Squills

A physician who attends to Miss Crawley. He is cynical and recognizes Mrs. Bute's manipulative nature.

Mrs. Stokes

The landlady of the lodgings in Greek Street where Rebecca's father lived. She is communicative and provides gossip about the Sharp family.

John the waiter

The waiter at the Slaughters' Coffee-house.

Mrs. Haggistoun

The widow of Colonel Haggistoun and chaperone to Miss Swartz. She is socially ambitious and open to bribery.

The old lady in black

An old lady who dozes in the bar of the Tapioca Coffee-house.

Major Wagstaff

An officer of the Engineers.

Polly, Major Sugarplums' friend

A child playing in a puddle.

Peggy (child)

A child with a penny.

Mr. Birch

A clerk at Mr. Osborne's office.

Mr. Higgs

A solicitor from the firm of Higgs & Blatherwick. He is cold, professional, and holds a low opinion of George Osborne's character and financial prospects.

The old General

An old General and Colonel of the regiment who served under Wolfe at Quebec. He is frail and fond of French phrases and the military tactics of the past. He is very fond of Dobbin.

General Tufto

A general who commands the cavalry division. He is infatuated with Rebecca Sharp but later transfers his attentions to Mrs. Brent.

Mr. Creamer

A medical man in Brighton. In this chapter, he is dismissed by Lady Southdown in favor of her own preferred doctor.

Trotter

George Osborne's valet. He is supercilious and looks down on the Sedleys' reduced circumstances, though he accepts a tip from Mr. Sedley.

Mr. Poe

A clerk at Mr. Higgs's office.

Ensign Simple

A young ensign in the regiment who is described as being obedient to Mrs. O'Dowd's commands.

Mrs. Captain Magenis

A woman in the regiment described by Mrs. O'Dowd as having a 'devil's tongue' and being a cheat at whist. She is critical of Amelia.

Mrs. Captain Kirk

A religious and judgmental woman in the regiment, a follower of Dr. Ramshorn. She considers Amelia to be in 'utter darkness' spiritually.

Mrs. Bunny

A woman in the regiment who is frequently pregnant ('in an interesting situation'). She has seven children.

Mrs. Posky

The wife of Ensign Posky. She is unhappy about losing her status as the newest bride in the regiment to Amelia and frequently quarrels with her husband.

Old Cutler

The senior doctor of the regiment who makes professional jokes.

Captain Porter

An officer of the 150th regiment.

Isidor

A swarthy Belgian servant hired for Joseph Sedley. He is observant, cynical, and opportunistic. In this chapter, he encourages Jos's fears to gain his master's clothes and eventually accompanies him in his flight.

Lady Blanche Thistlewood

The daughter of Lord and Lady Bareacres. She is present during the family's desperate attempt to flee Brussels.

Lord Uxbridge

A British military officer seen in the park in Brussels.

George's regimental servant

George Osborne's servant who assists with packing.

Pauline

The cook and maid-of-all-work for the Sedleys' establishment in Brussels. She is kind-hearted and has a lover in the Belgian hussars.

Regulus

A Belgian hussar and Pauline's lover. He is a coward who deserts the battlefield at Quatre Bras and hides in Pauline's kitchen, spreading false reports of a total British defeat.

Towzer

James Crawley's favorite bull-dog. He is described as biting footmen's calves.

The wounded convalescent soldier

A soldier in the —th regiment who is recovering from wounds in Brussels.

The Sergeant

An officer in George's former regiment who was wounded in the shoulder. He is knowledgeable about the battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo.

Little Mary Clapp

The daughter of Mr. Clapp. She is a favorite of Amelia's.

The gardener's wife

The French nurse who cared for little Rawdon near Paris. She was never paid for her services by the Crawleys.

Genevieve

Rebecca's French maid. She is negligent and nearly allows little Rawdon to drown.

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.

Russell Square

The residence of the Osborne family in London, now a place of deep mourning and gloom.

• 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.

Boggley Wollah

A location in India where Joseph Sedley was stationed.

• Described as the place where Joseph lived in isolation for eight years.
• Mentioned in Joseph's stories and reminiscences.

Dr. Swishtail's Academy

A famous school in Richmond where George Osborne and William Dobbin were educated.

• The legendary fight between Cuff and Dobbin takes place here.
• Dobbin wins a French prize-book and gains the respect of his peers.

Vauxhall Gardens

A famous public pleasure garden in London, known for its lights, music, and dark walks.

• The party prepares to leave for an evening of pleasure here.
• The two couples and Dobbin visit the gardens.
• Joseph gets drunk on rack punch.
• Joseph makes a public scene and nearly proposes to Rebecca.

Joseph's Lodgings

The location of Joseph Sedley's lodgings in London.

• Joseph is taken here by Dobbin after his drunken night.
• George and Dobbin visit the hungover Joseph.

Cheltenham

A town in England where Sir John Redhand is said to be ill in the narrator's anecdote.

• Joseph leaves for this location to escape Rebecca.
• Mentioned in an anecdote about social status.

Great Gaunt Street

The location of Sir Pitt Crawley's London house, where Lady Crawley's funeral hatchment is displayed.

• Rebecca arrives at the house and is met by Sir Pitt Crawley.
• Rebecca eats a frugal supper of tripe with Sir Pitt and Mrs. Tinker.
• Rebecca sleeps in the late Lady Crawley's gloomy bedroom.
• The hatchment for Lady Crawley is hung here.
• Sir Pitt studies Blue Books and prepares for his political career.
• Rebecca and Lady Jane maintain a tense social relationship here.
• Rawdon arrives in a dishevelled state to speak with his brother.
• Sir Pitt and Lady Jane perform morning prayers with their children and servants.
• Rawdon entrusts his son's future and Miss Briggs's money to Sir Pitt.
• Rebecca visits Sir Pitt to plead her innocence.
• Lady Jane confronts Rebecca and banishes her from the house.

Queen's Crawley

The family seat of the Crawleys where the Rector and his wife plot.

• The history of the borough and the Crawley family tree are described.
• Rebecca arrives at the estate in a carriage and four.
• Sir Pitt orders the whipping of two boys for gathering sticks in the park.
• Rebecca is shown the house, including a room where Queen Elizabeth allegedly slept.
• The family has a meager dinner served on grand silver plate.
• The family engages in dismal evening prayers and sermon reading.
• The history of the family and the current state of the household are described.
• The younger Pitt Crawley attempts to reform the manners and discipline of the house.
• Rebecca establishes herself as a favorite of the entire family.
• Rebecca and Rose read French and English novels in the library.
• Sir Pitt and Rebecca walk the grounds discussing estate management.
• Lady Crawley dies here in isolation.
• Sir Pitt returns here and rages through Rebecca's former room.
• Sir Pitt scandalizes the neighborhood with his drinking and association with Miss Horrocks.
• Pitt Crawley forces his sisters to go to school.
• The Bute Crawleys discuss how to regain Miss Crawley's favor.
• Pitt and Lady Jane pay a disastrous visit to Sir Pitt.
• Sir Pitt fells trees and allows the gardens to go to waste.
• Miss Horrocks rules the household until Sir Pitt suffers a stroke.
• The Bute Crawley family arrives to take control and expel the Horrocks family.
• The elder Sir Pitt dies here.
• The new Sir Pitt takes control of the estate and its business affairs.
• Lady Southdown and Sir Pitt clash over family matters.
• Rawdon and Rebecca arrive for the funeral.
• The funeral of the elder Sir Pitt takes place.
• Rebecca charms Lady Jane and Lady Southdown.
• The family engages in country pursuits like shooting and visiting the poor.
• Sir Pitt hosts a grand Christmas gathering for the family.
• A public fox-hunt meet is held on the lawn.
• Little Rawdon goes rat-hunting in a barn on the estate.
• Little Rawdon spends his holidays here and learns to hunt.
• Sir Rawdon Crawley (the younger) resides here with Lady Jane.

Mudbury

A nearby town where the local doctor lives and where Miss Crawley takes drives.

• Rebecca and Sir Pitt transfer from the public coach to the family carriage.
• Mentioned as the home of the Dawson family.
• Miss Crawley and Rebecca drive here together.
• The fiddlers for the dance are brought from here.
• A boy is sent here to fetch the doctor for Sir Pitt.
• The death of Sir Pitt is a topic of conversation.
• The Crawleys change from the coach to a private carriage.
• Little Rawdon wakes up here to finish the journey to the Hall.

Pumpernickel

A small German state where the younger Pitt Crawley served as an Attache.

• Mentioned as the location of Pitt Crawley's diplomatic service.
• The party stays at the Erbprinz Hotel.
• They attend the Court theater to see 'Fidelio' and 'Die Schlacht bei Vittoria.'
• Lord Tapeworm introduces himself to the party.
• The Sedley party settles in Pumpernickel for the autumn.
• Jos and Dobbin are presented at the Ducal Court.
• Amelia is admired at a Court ball.
• A grand festival is held for the marriage of the Hereditary Prince.
• Major Dobbin dines with Lord Tapeworm and learns the truth about Rebecca.
• Major Dobbin leaves the city in his carriage.

Park Lane

Miss Crawley's residence in London where she is currently being 'nursed' by Mrs. Bute.

• Mentioned as the residence of Miss Crawley during the London season.
• Miss Crawley returns here to recover from her illness.
• Rebecca establishes her dominance over the household servants.
• George Osborne and Amelia Sedley visit for dinner.
• Sir Pitt Crawley proposes to Rebecca here.
• Rebecca sings and charms Miss Crawley here before her flight; the news of the marriage is broken to the household here.
• Mrs. Bute takes command of the household.
• Miss Crawley is kept in a darkened room and subjected to constant medical and spiritual 'care.'
• Mrs. Bute and Mr. Clump discuss Miss Crawley's health.

The Rectory, Queen's Crawley

The residence of the Reverend Bute Crawley and his family, described as a rural and humble but happy home.

• Mrs. Bute Crawley writes letters to Miss Pinkerton from here.
• The family discusses their financial hopes and disdain for Rawdon Crawley.
• Rebecca and the children visit for social calls.

Queen's Crawley (The Hall)

The estate of Sir Pitt Crawley.

• Miss Crawley arrives with her entourage.
• A ball is held where Rawdon dances with Rebecca.
• Rebecca manages Sir Pitt's affairs and charms Miss Crawley.

The Osborne House

The residence of the Osborne family, characterized by its pompous, orderly, and "intolerably dull" atmosphere.

• Amelia visits the Osborne sisters and feels stifled and patronized.
• Captain Dobbin visits the Osborne sisters and hears them mock George's devotion to Amelia.

Chatham Barracks

The military barracks where George Osborne and William Dobbin are stationed.

• Dobbin defends Amelia's honor in the mess-room.
• George and Dobbin argue about George's neglect of Amelia.

Hulker, Bullock & Co.

The banking firm where George collects money and John Sedley is seen looking depressed.

• John Sedley leaves the bank looking dismal.
• George collects a large sum of money.
• The clerks gossip about Sedley's financial failure.

The Old Slaughters'

A coffee-house in London where George Osborne stays and drinks after the Sedley ruin.

• George plays eleven games of billiards with Captain Cannon.
• George drinks heavily here and is cautioned by Dobbin.

Miss Crawley's House in Park Lane

Miss Crawley's residence in London.

• Sir Pitt proposes to Rebecca in the dining-room.
• Briggs and Firkin spy through the keyhole.
• Miss Crawley confronts Sir Pitt and Rebecca.
• Rebecca writes a secret letter to Rawdon Crawley from her room.

Brompton

A small, humble cottage where the Sedleys take refuge after their bankruptcy.

• Rawdon and Rebecca settle into their new home here after the elopement.
• Rawdon and Rebecca live here in comfortable but credit-based seclusion.
• Amelia pines away in her room here.
• Captain Dobbin visits and brings the piano.
• George's letter of reconciliation is delivered here.
• Amelia and her family live here in poverty.
• Mr. Poe delivers Mr. Osborne's proposal to Amelia here.
• Amelia sells her shawl and buys books for Georgy.
• Amelia attempts to paint screens to earn money.
• John Sedley confesses to Amelia that he sold their annuity.
• Amelia decides to give up Georgy to Mr. Osborne.
• Miss Osborne visits to finalize the arrangements.
• Amelia nurses her mother through her final illness.
• Mrs. Sedley dies.
• Georgy visits his mother in his fine clothes.
• Amelia's mother is buried in the churchyard here.
• Amelia walks her father through the lanes.
• Dobbin visits the Clapps' house to find Amelia.
• Dobbin has tea with Amelia and Mr. Sedley at their lodgings.
• John Sedley is laid to rest here.

Russell Square house

The former home of the Sedley family, now the site of a public auction following their bankruptcy.

• A public auction is held to sell off the Sedleys' furniture, wine, and personal belongings.
• William Dobbin secretly buys Amelia's piano.
• Rawdon and Rebecca Crawley attend the sale and buy a portrait of Joseph Sedley.

St. Adelaide Villas, Anna-Maria Road West

A small, modest cottage in a street leading from Fulham Road where the ruined Sedley family has taken refuge.

• The Sedley family moves here after their bankruptcy.
• Amelia's piano and the gift of silver plate arrive here.

Chatham

A town in Kent with a military dockyard.

• Dobbin tells George that Amelia is dying.
• Amelia and Jos arrive at an inn in Chatham.
• The officers of the regiment gather for a farewell dinner and a party.
• Jos follows parades and drills here before embarking.
• The servants of Jos and George revolt and refuse to cross the water.

The Park (Hyde Park)

A large park in London where the upper class drives their carriages.

• Rawdon and Rebecca encounter Miss Crawley and Mrs. Bute in their carriages.
• Miss Crawley and Mrs. Bute publicly snub Rawdon.

The Brompton Cottage

The humble cottage in Brompton where the Sedleys now live.

• George and Amelia are reunited here.
• Amelia recovers her health and spirits.
• Dobbin and Mrs. Sedley plot the marriage.
• John Sedley prepares his papers for Jos's arrival.
• Jos arrives in a grand carriage to reunite with his family.
• Amelia and her father leave the lodgings for good, leaving the furniture to Mary Clapp.

The Tapioca Coffee-house

A dismal and dreary coffee-house in Coffin Court in the City, used by ruined men to conduct imaginary business.

• Dobbin finds John Sedley here fumbling with old papers.
• John Sedley rants about Napoleon and John Osborne.
• Dobbin convinces Sedley to (grudgingly) allow the marriage to proceed.

Slaughters' Coffee-house

A well-known coffee-house and hotel in London frequented by military men.

• George tells Dobbin about the quarrel and declares he will marry Amelia the next day.
• George and Dobbin meet here to have a drink and prepare for the wedding ceremony.
• Dobbin, Chopper, Stubble, and Spooney dine together.
• The young ensigns write letters home to their parents.
• Dobbin drives here upon arriving in London and is greeted by the old waiter, John.
• Dobbin dresses in his smartest clothes here before going to see Amelia.
• Jos stays here and enjoys his hookah while the Major organizes the family's move.

Fulham

A suburb of London where the Sedleys have taken up humble lodgings with the Clapp family.

• George spends three hours visiting Amelia before returning to his father's house.
• Rebecca visits Mrs. Sedley here to find that Amelia has already left.
• Amelia lives here with her parents and her baby.
• Major Dobbin visits daily before saying his final goodbyes.
• Amelia raises Georgy here.
• John Sedley attempts various failed business ventures.
• Mr. Binny proposes to Amelia.
• The Misses Dobbin visit Amelia to share news of William's rumored marriage.
• Ann Dobbin visits Amelia and Georgy here.

Brighton

A seaside town where Miss Crawley is recovering her health.

• George and Amelia stay here for their honeymoon; they encounter Rawdon and Rebecca Crawley.
• George and Amelia are staying here for their honeymoon.
• The characters prepare to leave for London and the war.
• Miss Crawley recovers from her illness here.
• Rebecca meets Miss Briggs on the beach.
• Miss Crawley receives news of Waterloo and gifts from Rawdon.
• Pitt Crawley visits and courts Lady Jane Sheepshanks.
• Lady Southdown and Lady Jane call on Miss Crawley.
• Pitt Crawley and Lady Southdown visit Miss Crawley.
• James Crawley arrives and stays with Miss Crawley.
• James is evicted after a scandal involving gin and tobacco.
• Pitt Crawley and Lady Jane Sheepshanks are married.

Ship Inn

An inn in Brighton where the characters are staying.

• The newlyweds engage apartments here and meet the Crawleys.
• Dobbin arrives here with news and letters.
• The group has a farewell dinner and breakfast here.
• George pays Rawdon his gambling debts here.

The counting-house in Thames Street

Mr. Osborne's place of business in the City of London.

• Dobbin meets with Mr. Osborne to reveal George's marriage.
• Mr. Osborne orders Chopper to calculate George's expenses.
• Mr. Osborne signs a new will disinheriting George.

The Study at Russell Square house

A private room in the Osborne house where Mr. Osborne conducts business, keeps family records, and formerly punished George.

• Mr. Osborne examines George's childhood mementos.
• Mr. Osborne strikes George's name from the family Bible.
• Mr. Osborne burns his old will.

Bedford Row

The legal offices of Mr. Higgs.

• Mentioned as the address of S. Higgs.
• George surlily collects his inheritance cheque.
• The clerks gossip about George's financial ruin.

Hotel in Cavendish Square

A high-end hotel where George and Amelia stay upon their return to London.

• George hosts a lavish dinner for Jos and Dobbin.
• Amelia feels intimidated by the 'funereal' state bedroom.

The Sedleys' Cottage in Fulham/Brompton

The modest lodgings where the Sedleys live.

• Amelia visits her parents and finds emotional comfort.
• Mrs. Sedley and the Irish maid prepare a festive tea.
• Amelia prays in her old bedroom.

Hulker and Bullock's Bank

The banking house where George cashes his cheque.

• George receives his money.
• Frederick Bullock hides from George and later reports his behavior to Mr. Osborne.

Mrs. O'Dowd's Quarters

The location of the party hosted by Mrs. O'Dowd.

• Amelia is introduced to the wives and officers of the regiment.
• Mrs. Kirk gives Amelia religious tracts.
• The officers admire Amelia while the wives criticize her.

Ostend

A port city in Belgium where the regiment and the travelers land.

• The regiment transports and the Lovely Rose packet ship arrive at the harbour.
• Jos goes to an inn in a collapsed state after the voyage.
• Amelia and Jos take up residence here with Rebecca.
• Major Loder and Captain Rook harass the party.
• Rebecca reveals George's letter to Amelia.
• Dobbin arrives by steamer and reunites with Amelia.

Brussels

A city in Belgium.

• The travelers settle into handsome lodgings.
• George and Amelia attend parties, the opera, and the park.
• George hosts a dinner for the Bareacres family at a restaurateur's.
• The group visits the flower market and sees General Tufto.
• The characters drive in the park, attend the opera, and go to the Duchess of Richmond's ball.
• The news arrives that the French have crossed the frontier, and the troops prepare to march.
• The regiment gathers at the alarm ground and marches out of the city gates at dawn.
• Mrs. O'Dowd prepares her husband's kit in their quarters.
• Rebecca Sharp inventories her valuables in her hotel room.
• Amelia and George have their final parting in their shared lodgings.
• Jos Sedley remains in bed while the army marches away.
• Isidor gathers news and rumors of French victory in the streets.
• Rebecca Sharp visits Amelia and Jos.
• The sound of cannon fire is heard for the first time, causing panic in the streets.
• The population panics as the sound of battle approaches.
• Jos Sedley shaves his mustachios and flees the city.
• Wounded soldiers, including Ensign Stubble, are brought back to the city.
• The news of the victory at Waterloo arrives.
• Amelia recovers from her illness and gives birth to her son here.
• Mr. Osborne arrives here to visit his son's grave and the battlefields.
• Mr. Osborne encounters Amelia and Dobbin in the park.
• Rawdon flees here to avoid his London creditors while Rebecca negotiates his debts.
• Rebecca stays with the Countess de Borodino and gambles heavily.
• Jos lives here in a hotel under Rebecca's influence.
• Dobbin visits Jos to try and convince him to leave Rebecca.

Waterloo

The site of the great battle where George Osborne was killed.

• The narrator mentions visiting the field and speaking with a veteran.
• Mr. Osborne visits the field under the guidance of the Sergeant to see where his son fell.

Hotel du Parc

The hotel in Brussels where Mr. Osborne stays.

• George visits the Crawleys here.
• Mr. Osborne meets the Sergeant here to plan their trip to the battlefields.
• Dobbin follows Osborne here to deliver a message.

The Duchess's Ball

The location of the famous historical ball on June 15, 1815.

• George, Amelia, Rebecca, Rawdon, and Dobbin attend the ball.
• George gives Rebecca a secret note.
• News of the French advance reaches the officers.

Jos Sedley's lodgings

The lodgings in Brussels where Jos, Amelia, and their servants are staying.

• Jos eats breakfast and dinner.
• Amelia grieves in her room.
• Rebecca Sharp and Jos have a flirtatious conversation.
• Amelia confronts Rebecca.
• Mrs. O'Dowd comforts Amelia.

Waterloo (Mount Saint John)

The site of the final, decisive battle between Wellington and Napoleon.

• The British infantry repels French cavalry charges.
• The Imperial Guard makes a final, unsuccessful onset.
• George Osborne is killed in action.

Quatre Bras

The site of the initial engagement where the Duke of Brunswick fell and Ensign Stubble was wounded.

• The French attack the Allied advance.
• Regulus and his Belgian regiment flee the field.

Paris

The capital of France where the Crawleys live for two or three years.

• Rawdon and Rebecca send letters and war relics to Miss Crawley from here.
• Rebecca becomes a favorite of the French nobility.
• Rebecca gives birth to a son.
• The Crawleys live elegantly on nothing, Rawdon masters billiards and cards, and Rebecca becomes a social success.
• Rebecca lives with the Eagles and later at Madame de Saint Amour's boarding-house.

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.

Ramgunge

A location in India where a magistrate is stationed.

Billingsgate

A famous fish market in London.

Piazza Coffee-House_in_Covent_Garden

A coffee-house in London where Joseph often dines alone.

Vauxhall

A popular pleasure garden in London.

Highbury Barn

A place in London where the Sedleys go for a dinner party.

Covent Garden Market

A market in London where Joseph buys flowers.

Thames Street

The location of the Dobbin & Rudge grocery shop.

The Bedford

A hotel or coffee house where George Osborne met Dobbin.

The Trafalgar Coach

A public stage-coach that carries Rebecca and Sir Pitt from London toward Hampshire.

Leakington

A town on the way to Queen's Crawley where it began to rain and Rebecca was forced to move to the outside of the coach.

Sir Pitt Crawley's town house

Sir Pitt's town residence where Rebecca spent a miserable night with a charwoman before departing for the country.

Swallow Street

A street in London where George Osborne plays billiards.

The City

The business district of London where Mr. Sedley conducts his affairs.

The Cocoa-Tree

A club where Rawdon Crawley wins money from George Osborne.

Knightsbridge

The location of Mr. Barnet's saddlery, used for secret correspondence.

Rotten Row

A fashionable park in London.

St. George's, Hanover Square

A church in London known for fashionable weddings.

Gloster Coffee House

A coffee house in London where the Portsmouth mail coach stops.

Star and Garter

A famous inn in Richmond.

Minerva House, Chiswick Mall

The academy for young ladies run by Miss Pinkerton.

Greek Street

The location of the lodgings where Rebecca lived with her father.

Coffin Court

The location of the Tapioca Coffee-house in the City.

A chapel near the Fulham Road

A chapel near the Fulham Road where George and Amelia are married.

Dutton's

A shop in Brighton where the characters go for jellies.

The ball

The location of a ball attended by Dobbin and the Osborne sisters.

The Horse Guards

The administrative headquarters of the British Army.

Somers' Town

The home of the Chopper family.

Gray's Inn Square

The location of the lawyer's office where Rawdon goes to collect his money.

Belgium

The country where the British army is being sent to face Napoleon.

The Mess of the 150th

The place where the 150th regiment hosts a farewell dinner for George, the Major, and Joseph Sedley.

Ramsgate

A town in Kent, England, from which the travelers take a packet ship to Belgium.

Bruges and Ghent

Cities in Belgium through which the regiment travels via canal boats.

The Park

A public park in Brussels where the fashionable society and military officers gather for daily drives and rides.

The Opera-house

The venue for social gatherings and performances in Brussels.

The alarm ground

The location where the regiment assembles before marching.

The Parc

A park in Brussels where the English congregate and where Mrs. O'Dowd walks disconsolately.

Ghent

The city to which the fugitives, including Jos Sedley and the Bareacres family, flee.

The Tom Cribb's Arms

An inn in Brighton where James Crawley stays on his first night and drinks with boxers.

Laeken

A burial ground near Brussels where George Osborne is interred in an unconsecrated corner.

Curzon Street, May Fair

A fashionable street in the May Fair district of London.

Faubourg St. Germain

A fashionable district in Paris known for its noble residents.

Cafe de Paris

A famous restaurant in Paris.

Calais

A port town in France.