Character Relationship Map: Vanity Fair

Characters

• Becky Sharp (played by Helen Gardner) — protagonist

  A flirtatious governess who charms Joseph Sedley and later marries Rawdon Crawley. In Brussels she meets Lord Steyne, and after Rawdon is imprisoned she falsely claims she will seek Steyne's help. Raw...

• Lord Steyne (played by William V. Ranous) — protagonist

  A powerful lord who meets Becky at the Duchess of Richmond's ball and later pursues an alliance with her. He uses Rawdon's debts at the gaming tables to have him imprisoned, hoping to keep Becky close...

• Joseph Sedley (played by John Bunny) — supporting

  A bashful man who falls desperately in love with Becky when she returns from boarding school with Amelia. He takes Becky to Vauxhall Gardens but embarrasses himself, then refuses to keep their appoint...

• Pitt Crawley (played by Alec B. Francis) — supporting

  Rawdon Crawley's brother, who comes to his aid when Rawdon is imprisoned for debt. He hastens to help after Rawdon sends for assistance, providing a family connection in the crisis surrounding Rawdon'...

• Amelia Sedley (played by Rose Tapley) — minor

  A gentle young woman who returns from boarding school with Becky and gives Becky the letter inviting her to work in Sir Pitt Crawley's household. Amelia later marries George Osborne and, after his dea...

• Sir Pitt Crawley (played by William Shea) — minor

  Rawdon Crawley's father, whose household employs Becky as a governess. He sends Amelia a letter requesting that Becky come to Queen's Crawley, bringing Becky into the household where she meets Rawdon...

Canonical Relationships

Family, romantic, and professional connections based on plot evidence.

• Becky Sharp → Lord Steyne (Romantic Illicit Relationship) — Becky and Lord Steyne develop a morally dangerous and opportunistic attachment.

  A month after Waterloo, Becky turns to ensnaring Lord Steyne, who seeks to continue his alliance with her.

• Sir Pitt Crawley → Becky Sharp (Professional Employer) — Sir Pitt employs Becky as a governess within his household.

  Sir Pitt sends Becky a letter requesting that she repair to Queen's Crawley to serve in his household as a governess.

• Joseph Sedley → Becky Sharp (Romantic Suitor) — Joseph is strongly attracted to Becky, while she uses her flirtatious charm around him.

  Joseph falls desperately in love with Becky and takes her to Vauxhall Gardens.

Story Dynamics

Alliances, conflicts, and narrative interactions that evolve throughout the story.

• Pitt Crawley → Becky Sharp (Social Family Associate) — Pitt becomes connected to Becky through the Crawley family crisis.

  Pitt hastens to assist his imprisoned brother, while Becky is established as the brother's wife in the surrounding plot.

• Amelia Sedley → Becky Sharp (Social Friend) — Amelia is Becky's school companion and provides her with an important opportunity.

  Amelia returns from boarding school accompanied by Becky and later gives Becky Sir Pitt Crawley's letter.

Story Analysis

Becky Sharp pursues social advancement through charm and manipulation, but her alliances ultimately collapse into isolation.

Plot Progression

1. A Flirtation Takes Flight — Becky returns from boarding school with Amelia and captivates Joseph Sedley. After Joseph's embarrassing retreat, Amelia gives Becky a letter that opens the way to Queen's Crawley.
2. The Governess Ascends — Becky enters Sir Pitt Crawley's household as a governess. Her charm leads to a marriage that displeases the Crawley family.
3. War And Social Display — Becky and her husband establish themselves in Mayfair before traveling to Brussels. At the Duchess of Richmond's ball, Becky meets Lord Steyne as news of Waterloo arrives.
4. Waterloo's Bitter Aftermath — The group reaches the field of action, where Amelia suffers the loss of Lieutenant Osborne. Afterward, Becky begins to cultivate Lord Steyne.
5. Debt And Betrayal — Lord Steyne's gaming tables leave Becky's husband deeply in debt and imprisoned. Becky's false reply and appeal to Steyne expose the collapse of her loyalties.
6. The Unconquered Outcast — The imprisoned man's appeal brings Pitt to his assistance, while the discovery in Becky's apartments ends her marriage. Amelia later visits Becky, who rejects aid despite her downfall.