Vanity Fair · Character

Bute Crawley

Sir Pitt's clergyman brother, whose living and dignity depend on the family fortunes he can neither command nor escape.

supporting

Also known as Mrs. Bute Crawley, Bute, the Reverend Bute Crawley

First appearance: XI: Arcadian Simplicity

As a supporting figure in Vanity Fair, Bute Crawley is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Mentioned as Sir Pitt's brother, the Reverend Bute Crawley, rector of Crawley-cum-Snailby.

In the storyCrawley of Queen’s CrawleyOpen this moment free

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In Crawley of Queen’s Crawley: Mentioned as Sir Pitt's brother, the Reverend Bute Crawley, rector of Crawley-cum-Snailby. Later, in IX: Family Portraits: The Rector's wife who refuses to visit Lady Crawley, snubbing…

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See Bute Crawley in XI: Arcadian Simplicity

Character Web

13 connections

A slice of how Bute Crawley sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Minor characters and servants
Social climbers and soldiers

+8 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological breaking point for Jos Sedley, whose cowardice…

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In the story

Bute Crawley appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Crawley of Queen’s Crawley
Mentioned as Sir Pitt's brother, the Reverend Bute Crawley, rector of Crawley-cum-Snailby.
IX: Family Portraits
The Rector's wife who refuses to visit Lady Crawley, snubbing her as a tradesman's daughter.
XI: Arcadian Simplicity
The Reverend Bute Crawley, a jolly, athletic man who resents Rawdon for inheriting Miss Crawley's fortune and is often in debt.
XI: Arcadian Simplicity
The shrewd and thrifty wife of the Rector, who secretly investigates Rebecca's history and manipulates her husband to avoid Rawdon.
Chapter XVI: The Letter on the Pincushion
Arrives opportunely and helps break the news to Miss Crawley, condemning Rebecca and Rawdon.
How Captain Dobbin Bought a Piano
Stays constantly with Miss Crawley, preventing Rawdon from seeing his aunt; her continued presence alarms the Crawleys.
Miss Crawley at Nurse
Takes command of the household, manipulating servants and poisoning Miss Crawley against Rawdon and Rebecca.
In Which All the Principal Personages Think Fit to Leave Brighton
Forced to leave Brighton due to her husband's accident, ending her oppressive control over Miss Crawley.
In Which Miss Crawley’s Relations Are Very Anxious About Her
She sends gifts to Miss Crawley but is alarmed by Rawdon's promotion, fearing Rebecca might regain favor.
James Crawley's Pipe Is Put Out
Regrets her earlier haughtiness and schemes to regain influence by sending James to Brighton.
A Cynical Chapter
Hypocritically maintains appearances of wealth and virtue after the disappointment of Miss Crawley's will, and seizes control at Queen's Crawley after Sir Pitt's collapse.
A Cynical Chapter
Disappointed by the small inheritance from his sister, he accompanies his wife to the Hall after Sir Pitt's illness.
XL: In Which Becky Is Recognized by the Family
Angry at Lady Southdown's influence, but maintains a show of courtesy with the Hall.
In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company
In the country, she vents her indignation at Becky's presentation, contrasting it with her own virtuous but less rewarded daughters.

Chapter companion notes

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See Bute Crawley in XI: Arcadian Simplicity

See Bute Crawley in Crawley of Queen’s Crawley