# Sophia Primrose — The Vicar of Wakefield character guide > Sophia Primrose in The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Sophy, Miss Sophia, miss Sophy **First appearance:** 0002-i ## Snapshot The younger Primrose daughter, gentle, modest, and quietly beloved, whose rescue from the river first reveals the stranger Burchell's true worth. ## Who they are Sophia is the family's peacemaker, softer-spoken than Olivia and content with the rural pleasures her sister chafes against. Her modesty attracts both Burchell's silent devotion and Thornhill's opportunistic notice, placing her at the center of the novel's romantic tensions. Her steadiness under pressure offers a counterpoint to Olivia's impulsiveness. ## In the story ### [The Vicar of Wakefield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/the-vicar-of-wakefield) The second daughter, known for her softness and sensibility. ### [Chapter I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/i) Younger daughter, soft and modest, with a desire to secure one lover. ### [A Migration](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/iii) Sophia is thrown from her horse into a rapid stream and is rescued by Mr. Burchell, showing her gratitude with looks more than words. ### [A Proof That Even the Humblest Fortune May Grant Happiness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/iv) One of the daughters who participates in the Sunday finery and later alters her gown. ### [A New and Great Acquaintance Introduced](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/v) Sophia internally despises Mr. Thornhill, finding him verbose on trivial subjects. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/vi) Gently reproves her father's harsh judgment of Mr. Burchell and receives his close attention during the haymaking. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/viii) Expresses admiration for a poetic description of lovers, accepts Mr. Burchell's ballad with tenderness, and is startled into his arms by a gunshot. ### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/ix) Dances with the chaplain; the ladies suggest a winter in town would improve her. ### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/x) Promised a lord for a husband by the fortune-teller, she joins in the family's fantasies of social elevation. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xii) The other daughter, similarly the subject of her mother's social ambitions. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xiii) Attempts to prevent Burchell's departure with her looks; later questioned by her father about any attachment to Burchell. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xiv) One of the daughters whose planned trip to London is canceled, leaving her in tears. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xv) Initially defends Burchell, insisting on reading the letter; later expresses amazement at his perceived baseness. ### [The Family Use Art, Which Is Opposed with Still Greater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xvi) The younger daughter, to be painted as a shepherdess in the family portrait. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxii) Sent with her brother to fetch Olivia from the inn. ### [Chapter XXIV: Fresh Calamities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxiv) Sings to please her father and helps prepare for the family's departure to prison. ### [Chapter XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxv) The vicar leans upon his youngest girl, whose tears fall for his distresses. ### [Chapter XXVII: The Vicar's Reform of the Prisoners](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxvii) Mentioned among the family who disapprove of the Vicar's scheme. ### [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxviii) Sophia is kidnapped by a well-dressed man in a post-chaise while walking with her mother. ### [Happier Prospects Begin to Appear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxx) Returns safely after being abducted, describes her rescue by Mr. Burchell. ### [The Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxxii) Marries Sir William Thornhill in the double wedding ceremony. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/characters/sophia - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/characters