# Becky Sharp — Vanity Fair character guide > Becky Sharp in Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Rebecca Sharp, Mrs. Rebecca Crawley, Miss Sharp, Becky, Mrs. Rawdon Crawley **First appearance:** 0001-i-chiswick-mall ## Snapshot A penniless orphan governess with a sharp wit and sharper hunger, Becky Sharp climbs toward high society armed with charm, nerve, and no illusions. ## Who they are Becky enters the novel as Amelia's clever, impoverished schoolfellow, already calculating how to secure a husband and a fortune. She refuses Sir Pitt Crawley's proposal not from modesty but from strategy, and her talent for performance — tears, gratitude, humility — masks a ruthless self-interest. Her rise through the Crawley family and fashionable London makes her the book's engine of satire, exposing how rank and virtue are often merely good acting. ## Relationships ### [Amelia Sedley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/amelia_sedley) _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) _romantic_ Becky flirts with and nearly marries the wealthy but cowardly Joseph Sedley for his fortune, later rekindling his interest. ### [Sir Pitt Crawley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/sir_pitt_crawley) _professional_ Becky serves as governess to Sir Pitt's children, then becomes his confidante and later his daughter-in-law after marrying his son Rawdon. ### [Lady Jane Crawley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/lady_jane_crawley) _rivalry_ Lady Jane, the virtuous wife of Sir Pitt's heir, distrusts and opposes Becky's manipulative influence over the Crawley family. ### [Miss Briggs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/miss_briggs) _psychological_ Becky manipulates the gullible Miss Briggs, her companion, into serving her schemes and later abandons her without remorse. ### [William Dobbin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/william_dobbin) _rivalry_ Dobbin sees through Becky's manipulations and warns Amelia against her, making Becky resent his moral authority. ### [Amelia Sedley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/amelia_sedley) _friendship_ Childhood schoolmates who maintain a superficial friendship, with Amelia naively trusting Becky while Becky manipulates her kindness. ### [Amelia Sedley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/amelia_sedley) _friendship_ Childhood schoolmates who maintain a superficial friendship, with Amelia naively trusting Becky while Becky manipulates her kindness. ### [Sir Pitt Crawley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/sir_pitt_crawley) _professional_ Becky serves as governess to Sir Pitt's children, then becomes his confidante and later his daughter-in-law after marrying his son Rawdon. ### [Joseph Sedley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/joseph_sedley) _romantic_ Becky flirts with and nearly marries the wealthy but cowardly Joseph Sedley for his fortune, later rekindling his interest. ### [Joseph Sedley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/joseph_sedley) _romantic_ Becky flirts with and nearly marries the wealthy but cowardly Joseph Sedley for his fortune, later rekindling his interest. ### [Sir Pitt Crawley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/sir_pitt_crawley) _professional_ Becky serves as governess to Sir Pitt's children, then becomes his confidante and later his daughter-in-law after marrying his son Rawdon. ## In the story ### [Before the Curtain](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/before-the-curtain) Referred to as the famous little Becky Puppet, noted for being flexible in the joints and lively on the wire. ### [I: Chiswick Mall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/i-chiswick-mall) Articled pupil leaving with Amelia; calm, unconcerned, and speaks French to Miss Pinkerton. ### [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) Reveals her bitter, vengeful nature and her determination to improve her station through marriage. ### [Rebecca Is in Presence of the Enemy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/iii-rebecca-is-in-presence-of-the-enemy) Determined to secure a husband, Rebecca flatters Joseph Sedley and begins her calculated pursuit of him. ### [The Green Silk Purse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/iv-the-green-silk-purse) Displays charm and manipulation, winning over the Sedley family and servants; feigns emotion over a drawing of her father; flirts with Joseph Sedley. ### [Dobbin of Ours](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/v-dobbin-of-ours) Observes George Osborne's vanity in the mirror and thinks she has his measure; present at the dinner, engaging in conversation about war and glory. ### [Vauxhall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/vi-vauxhall) Hopes for a proposal from Jos at Vauxhall; after his flight, she is forced to leave the Sedley household, accepting Amelia's gifts while secretly resenting George Osborne. ### [Crawley of Queen’s Crawley](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/vii-crawley-of-queen-s-crawley) Travels to Queen's Crawley as the new governess, observing Sir Pitt's character with amusement and ambition. ### [Private and Confidential](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/viii-private-and-confidential) Writes a candid letter to Amelia, revealing her wit and critical observations of Sir Pitt and his estate. ### [X: Miss Sharp Begins to Make Friends](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/x-miss-sharp-begins-to-make-friends) Rebecca, now a governess at Queen's Crawley, uses her wits and charm to win over the family, managing the children, flattering Mr. Crawley, and assisting Sir Pitt with estate matters. ### [XI: Arcadian Simplicity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xi-arcadian-simplicity) The little governess who captivates Miss Crawley and Rawdon, burning Rawdon's note and managing his advances with skill. ### [Miss Crawley at Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xiv-miss-crawley-at-home) Now Miss Crawley's constant companion in London, Becky skillfully manages the old lady while fending off Rawdon's advances and Sir Pitt's demands for her return. ### [XV: In Which Rebecca's Husband Appears for a Short Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xv-in-which-rebecca-s-husband-appears-for-a-short-time) Reveals her secret marriage to Rawdon Crawley after Sir Pitt proposes; writes a letter to Rawdon plotting their future. ### [Chapter XVI: The Letter on the Pincushion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xvi-the-letter-on-the-pincushion) Elopes with Rawdon Crawley, leaving a dramatic letter for Miss Briggs. ### [How Captain Dobbin Bought a Piano](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xvii-how-captain-dobbin-bought-a-piano) Attends the Sedley auction with Rawdon, gleefully comparing the bidders to vultures; reflects on the piano she once chose for Amelia; manages her household with artful complacency. ### [Miss Crawley at Nurse](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xix-miss-crawley-at-nurse) Also vilified by Mrs. Bute, who gathers damaging information about her from Miss Pinkerton. ### [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) Referenced as an example of elopement with Captain Rawdon Crawley, used by Dobbin to persuade the Sedleys. ### [A Marriage and Part of a Honeymoon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxii-a-marriage-and-part-of-a-honeymoon) Now married to Rawdon; skillfully manages creditors and maintains a cheerful, debt-ridden lifestyle in Brighton. ### [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) Schemes to reconcile with Miss Crawley by manipulating Briggs and dictating a letter to Rawdon. ### [Brussels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxix-brussels) Arrives in Brussels with Rawdon, rides with General Tufto, dazzles at the ball, and manipulates George while wounding Amelia with cruel remarks. ### [The Girl I Left Behind Me](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxx-the-girl-i-left-behind-me) Shows Spartan equanimity at parting from Rawdon; calculates her financial position and valuables, including gifts from General Tufto and Captain Osborne. ### [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) Flirts with Jos to secure her retreat and visits Amelia, leading to a tense confrontation. ### [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) Rebecca cunningly exploits the chaos to sell her horses to Jos for a fortune, calculating her financial independence regardless of the war's outcome. ### [James Crawley's Pipe Is Put Out](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxxiv-james-crawley-s-pipe-is-put-out) In Paris, enjoys social success and gives birth to a son, but this event triggers Miss Crawley's final disinheritance. ### [How to Live Well on Nothing a Year](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxxvi-how-to-live-well-on-nothing-a-year) Grows weary of Parisian social life and schemes for more substantial gains; leaves her son behind to join Rawdon in Brussels. ### [The Subject Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-subject-continued) Strategizes to enter London society, seeks a female companion, and maintains a cold distance from her son. ### [XL: In Which Becky Is Recognized by the Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xl-in-which-becky-is-recognized-by-the-family) Recognizes Miss Briggs on the street, invites her to dinner, and eventually persuades her to become a companion. ### [In Which Becky Revisits the Halls of Her Ancestors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xli-in-which-becky-revisits-the-halls-of-her-ancestors) Returns to Queen's Crawley with Rawdon for the funeral, enjoying the recognition and reflecting on her rise in society. ### [XLIV: A Roundabout Chapter Between London and Hampshire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xliv-a-roundabout-chapter-between-london-and-hampshire) Oversees the renovation of Sir Pitt's house, charms Sir Pitt with her cooking and conversation, and manipulates him into staying as a guest. ### [Between Hampshire and London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xlv-between-hampshire-and-london) Astutely counsels Sir Pitt on his political ambitions and social maneuvers, while subtly dominating and scorning Lady Jane. ### [In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xlviii-in-which-the-reader-is-introduced-to-the-very-best-of-company) Achieves presentation at Court and receives patronage from Lord Steyne; secretly uses his money to settle debts and buy gifts. ### [In Which We Enjoy Three Courses and a Dessert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xlix-in-which-we-enjoy-three-courses-and-a-dessert) Becky is the guest of honor at Gaunt House, using her wit and charm to navigate the hostile reception from the aristocratic ladies. ### [LI: In Which a Charade Is Acted Which May or May Not Puzzle the Reader](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/li-in-which-a-charade-is-acted-which-may-or-may-not-puzzle-the-reader) Hosts parties on a tight budget, orchestrates charades at Gaunt House, and navigates high society with charm and cunning. ### [In Which Lord Steyne Shows Himself in a Most Amiable Light](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lii-in-which-lord-steyne-shows-himself-in-a-most-amiable-light) Manipulates Lord Steyne with falsehoods about Rawdon's coercion; orchestrates Briggs's dismissal; maintains a facade of affection toward Rawdon while pursuing her own schemes. ### [A Rescue and a Catastrophe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/liii-a-rescue-and-a-catastrophe) Exposed as unfaithful; her jewels and money reveal Lord Steyne's patronage. ### [Sunday After the Battle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/liv-sunday-after-the-battle) Mentioned as the source of Rawdon's betrayal; her secret dealings with Steyne and the hidden banknote are central to the conflict. ### [In Which the Same Subject Is Pursued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lv-in-which-the-same-subject-is-pursued) Desperately pleads her innocence to Sir Pitt, claiming she only sought Lord Steyne's favor for her husband's advancement. ### [A Vagabond Chapter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lxiv-a-vagabond-chapter) Living in exile in Boulogne and other French towns, trying to maintain respectability but facing constant social rejection. ### [Full of Business and Pleasure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lxv-full-of-business-and-pleasure) Lives in a miserable garret, spins a tale of persecution to win Jos's sympathy, and later receives Amelia's forgiveness. ### [Amantium Irae](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lxvi-amantium-irae) Arrives at the Elephant Hotel, spins a false story of losing her child to win Amelia's sympathy, and is recognized by Georgy from a gambling house. ### [LXVII: Which Contains Births, Marriages, and Deaths](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/lxvii-which-contains-births-marriages-and-deaths) Successfully claims the insurance money, styles herself Lady Crawley, and lives a life of piety and charity; she manipulates Joseph and social circles in Pumpernickel. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters/becky_sharp - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vanity_fair_se/characters