# Amelia Sedley — Vanity Fair character guide > Amelia Sedley in Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Miss Sedley, Miss Amelia Sedley, Emmy, Mrs. George Osborne, poor Amelia **First appearance:** 0001-i-chiswick-mall ## Snapshot A tender-hearted merchant's daughter who loves too faithfully and too blindly, Amelia anchors the novel's sentimental heart even as the world around her schemes and trades. ## Who they are Amelia is the sheltered, sweet-tempered daughter of a wealthy Russell Square family, whose devotion to the handsome George Osborne defines her youth. Her flaw is not coldness but excess of feeling: she mistakes vanity for gallantry and worships a man who condescends to be adored. Her quiet constancy sets the moral counterweight to Becky's ambition, and her fortunes — courtship, marriage, and the reversals that follow — form the emotional spine of the early and middle chapters. ## Relationships ### [William Dobbin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/william_dobbin) _romantic_ Dobbin is Amelia's lifelong devoted admirer and eventual husband, though she long overlooks his love in favor of George Osborne. ### [Becky Sharp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/becky_sharp) _friendship_ Childhood schoolmates who maintain a superficial friendship, with Amelia naively trusting Becky while Becky manipulates her kindness. ### [Joseph Sedley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/joseph_sedley) _family_ Amelia is Joseph's indulgent younger sister, often trying to manage his indecisiveness and protect his reputation. ### [Sir Pitt Crawley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/sir_pitt_crawley) _social_ Amelia is a polite acquaintance of Sir Pitt through her connection to Becky and the Crawley family circle. ### [Miss Briggs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/miss_briggs) _friendship_ Amelia treats the kindly but simple Miss Briggs with genuine warmth and sympathy, unlike Becky's exploitation. ### [Georgy Osborne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/georgy_osborne) _family_ Amelia is the doting, overprotective mother of her son Georgy, who becomes the center of her life after George's death. ### [Mr. Eaves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/mr_eaves) _social_ Mr. Eaves is a gossipy acquaintance who observes and comments on Amelia's misfortunes and social standing. ### [Lady Jane Crawley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/lady_jane_crawley) _friendship_ Amelia and Lady Jane share a gentle, sympathetic bond as kind-hearted women who both suffer from the selfishness of others. ### [George Osborne](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/george_osborne) _romantic_ Amelia is passionately in love with the vain and unfaithful George Osborne, whom she marries and who dies at Waterloo. ### [William Dobbin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/william_dobbin) _romantic_ Dobbin is Amelia's lifelong devoted admirer and eventual husband, though she long overlooks his love in favor of George Osborne. ### [Becky Sharp](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/becky_sharp) _friendship_ Childhood schoolmates who maintain a superficial friendship, with Amelia naively trusting Becky while Becky manipulates her kindness. ### [William Dobbin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/william_dobbin) _romantic_ Dobbin is Amelia's lifelong devoted admirer and eventual husband, though she long overlooks his love in favor of George Osborne. ## In the story ### [Before the Curtain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/before-the-curtain) Mentioned as the Amelia Doll, carved and dressed with great care, though with a smaller circle of admirers. ### [I: Chiswick Mall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/i-chiswick-mall) Departing pupil; sweet-natured, beloved by all, but prone to tears. ### [In Which Miss Sharp and Miss Sedley Prepare to Open the Campaign](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/ii-in-which-miss-sharp-and-miss-sedley-prepare-to-open-the-campaign) Shown as kind and gentle, but naive about Rebecca's true motives. ### [Rebecca Is in Presence of the Enemy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/iii-rebecca-is-in-presence-of-the-enemy) Acts as the intermediary, introducing Rebecca to her brother and encouraging their interaction. ### [The Green Silk Purse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/iv-the-green-silk-purse) Supportive of Rebecca; has a headache that prevents a party; encourages the match between Rebecca and Joseph. ### [Dobbin of Ours](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/v-dobbin-of-ours) Appears as a sweet, fresh young woman in a white muslin frock; she likes Dobbin because he is George's friend, and her singing captivates Dobbin. ### [Vauxhall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/vi-vauxhall) Eager for Jos to marry Rebecca, she is heartbroken when the plan fails; she gives Rebecca many presents and cries privately. ### [Private and Confidential](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/viii-private-and-confidential) The recipient of Becky's letter, now at home with her family and her fiancé George Osborne. ### [XII: Quite a Sentimental Chapter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xii-quite-a-sentimental-chapter) Portrayed as deeply in love with George Osborne, writing long, emotional letters and waiting anxiously for him; she is dismissed by George's sisters as insipid but is shown to be tender and trusting. ### [XIII: Sentimental and Otherwise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xiii-sentimental-and-otherwise) Anxiously awaits George's attention; dines at the Osbornes' and senses old Mr. Osborne's hostility. ### [Miss Crawley at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xiv-miss-crawley-at-home) Visited by Miss Crawley and Becky in Russell Square; her sweet, blushing face and natural manners charm Miss Crawley, who invites her to Park Lane. ### [How Captain Dobbin Bought a Piano](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xvii-how-captain-dobbin-bought-a-piano) Mentioned as the original recipient of the piano Becky and Rawdon see at the auction; her family's financial ruin is discussed. ### [Who Played on the Piano Captain Dobbin Bought](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xviii-who-played-on-the-piano-captain-dobbin-bought) Deeply despondent after her father's ruin and George's apparent abandonment; she is pale and listless, but receives a hopeful letter from George. ### [In Which Captain Dobbin Acts as the Messenger of Hymen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xx-in-which-captain-dobbin-acts-as-the-messenger-of-hymen) Overjoyed at George's return, she weeps on his shoulder and shows humble submission, regaining her happiness and rosy complexion. ### [A Quarrel About an Heiress](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxi-a-quarrel-about-an-heiress) George's true love, contrasted unfavorably by the Osbornes with the heiress but cherished by George. ### [A Marriage and Part of a Honeymoon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxii-a-marriage-and-part-of-a-honeymoon) Marries George; leaves with him after an emotional farewell from her mother. ### [Captain Dobbin Proceeds on His Canvass](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxiii-captain-dobbin-proceeds-on-his-canvass) Referenced as the object of George's fidelity and the subject of Dobbin's advocacy. ### [In Which Mr. Osborne Takes Down the Family Bible](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxiv-in-which-mr-osborne-takes-down-the-family-bible) Mentioned as the object of George's devotion, scorned by Mr. Osborne as a 'beggar's girl.' ### [In Which All the Principal Personages Think Fit to Leave Brighton](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxv-in-which-all-the-principal-personages-think-fit-to-leave-brighton) Learns of George's regiment's deployment to Belgium and insists on accompanying him. ### [Between London and Chatham](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxvi-between-london-and-chatham) Presides at her first dinner as Mrs. Osborne, visits her mother, reflects on her marriage with sadness, and goes shopping for her foreign tour. ### [In Which Amelia Joins Her Regiment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxvii-in-which-amelia-joins-her-regiment) Arrives in Chatham as Mrs. Captain Osborne, meets the regimental wives and officers, and is warmly received. ### [In Which Amelia Invades the Low Countries](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxviii-in-which-amelia-invades-the-low-countries) Travels to Ostend and Brussels to join her husband; feels disheartened at the arrival of the Crawleys. ### [Brussels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxix-brussels) Sits unnoticed at the ball, heartbroken by George's flirtation with Rebecca, and is patronized by her former friend. ### [In Which Jos Sedley Takes Care of His Sister](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxxi-in-which-jos-sedley-takes-care-of-his-sister) Grief-stricken after George's departure, she remains in her room and later confronts Rebecca about her betrayal. ### [In Which Jos Takes Flight, and the War Is Brought to a Close](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxxii-in-which-jos-takes-flight-and-the-war-is-brought-to-a-close) Amelia tends to the wounded Ensign Stubble, finding solace in duty and relief upon learning of George's safety after the battle. ### [Widow and Mother](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxxv-widow-and-mother) Now a widow and mother, Amelia is consumed by maternal devotion to her infant son Georgy, finding her only joy and purpose in his care. ### [A Family in a Very Small Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxxviii-a-family-in-a-very-small-way) Fiercely protective of Georgy, clashes with her mother over the child's care, and corresponds with Dobbin while remaining unaware of his financial sacrifices. ### [XLII: Which Treats of the Osborne Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xlii-which-treats-of-the-osborne-family) Living in poverty with her parents, she is visited by the Misses Dobbin and writes a grateful letter to Major Dobbin, congratulating him on his marriage. ### [In Which the Reader Has to Double the Cape](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xliii-in-which-the-reader-has-to-double-the-cape) Mentioned in Dobbin's thoughts and in her letter; she writes to give Dobbin her blessing on his supposed new marriage, unwittingly causing him great pain. ### [Struggles and Trials](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xlvi-struggles-and-trials) The widow Osborne struggles to make ends meet, sacrificing her own needs for her son Georgy. She rejects Mr. Osborne's offer to take Georgy, tearing up the letter in anger. ### [Contains a Vulgar Incident](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/l-contains-a-vulgar-incident) Struggles with poverty and the decision to send her son Georgy to live with his grandfather. ### [Georgy Is Made a Gentleman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lvi-georgy-is-made-a-gentleman) Still devoted to Georgy, she cares for her invalid mother and bereaved father, finding joy in her son's gift of a miniature. ### [Eothen](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lvii-eothen) Living in poverty, caring for her father, and accepting charity from Mr. Osborne; described as a 'poor-spirited, despicable little creature' who sacrifices herself for her family. ### [LVIII: Our Friend the Major](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lviii-our-friend-the-major) Meets Dobbin after years; shows him Georgy's miniature, speaks proudly of her son, and acts as a gracious hostess during tea. ### [The Old Piano](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lix-the-old-piano) Moves from Brompton with her father, remains devoted to her deceased husband George, and gently rejects the idea of marrying Major Dobbin. ### [Returns to the Genteel World](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lx-returns-to-the-genteel-world) Adapts to her new life as a society hostess, drives about in a carriage, calls on ladies, and is liked for her artless kindness and simple refined demeanour. ### [In Which Two Lights Are Put Out](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lxi-in-which-two-lights-are-put-out) Devotedly nurses her father in his final days, achieving a tacit reconciliation with him. ### [LXII: Am Rhein](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lxii-am-rhein) Traveling with Georgy and Major Dobbin; described as cheerful and happy during this period, sketching ruins while Dobbin smokes. ### [In Which We Meet an Old Acquaintance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lxiii-in-which-we-meet-an-old-acquaintance) Presented at the Pumpernickel court, wears a pink crape dress with a diamond ornament, takes singing and French lessons, and is admired by the court. ### [Full of Business and Pleasure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lxv-full-of-business-and-pleasure) Initially reluctant, but moved by Jos's account of Becky's suffering, she goes to see her and forgives her with a heartfelt embrace. ### [Amantium Irae](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lxvi-amantium-irae) Naively embraces Becky's fabricated tale, becomes angry with Dobbin for opposing Becky's presence, and introduces her son Georgy to Becky. ### [LXVII: Which Contains Births, Marriages, and Deaths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lxvii-which-contains-births-marriages-and-deaths) Struggles with her feelings for Dobbin after his departure; becomes peevish and withdrawn, and often talks about Dobbin with her son Georgy. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/amelia_sedley - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters