Vanity Fair · Character

John Sedley

A once-prosperous London merchant whose comfortable world of turtle dinners and champagne collapses into ruin, embittering the family he adored.

supporting

Also known as old John Sedley, Mr. Sedley, Good old John Sedley

First appearance: ii in which miss sharp and miss sedley prepare to open the campaign

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

The jovial father who teases Joseph and welcomes Rebecca into the family home.

In the storyRebecca Is in Presence of the EnemyOpen this moment free

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In Rebecca Is in Presence of the Enemy: The jovial father who teases Joseph and welcomes Rebecca into the family home. Later, in The Green Silk Purse: Warns his wife about Rebecca's designs on Joseph; dismisses…

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See John Sedley in ii in which miss sharp and miss sedley prepare to open the campaign

Character Web

28 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Social climbers and soldiers
Minor characters and servants

+23 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

John Sedley appears across 17 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Rebecca Is in Presence of the Enemy
The jovial father who teases Joseph and welcomes Rebecca into the family home.
The Green Silk Purse
Warns his wife about Rebecca's designs on Joseph; dismisses Joseph's vanity.
Vauxhall
Neutral about Jos's marriage, he gives Rebecca a purse of guineas and offers to be her protector.
XII: Quite a Sentimental Chapter
Noted as graver of late, absorbed in City affairs, and not noticing Amelia's romantic preoccupation.
How Captain Dobbin Bought a Piano
His bankruptcy and the auction of his household goods form the backdrop of the chapter.
Who Played on the Piano Captain Dobbin Bought
Ruined by Napoleon's return and betrayed by his old friend Osborne; he is humiliated and broken by the bankruptcy and creditor meetings.
In Which Captain Dobbin Acts as the Messenger of Hymen
A ruined man, he initially refuses consent to the marriage but is amused by the story of Rebecca's elopement and softens toward Dobbin.
In Which Mr. Osborne Takes Down the Family Bible
Referenced as a former friend of Mr. Osborne, now dismissed as a 'swindling old bankrupt.'
Between London and Chatham
Is cheered by Amelia's visit and her singing of his favorite songs.
A Family in a Very Small Way
Fails at various business ventures after bankruptcy, frequents a club where he boasts about his son's position and his former wealth.
Struggles and Trials
Amelia's father, who engages in failed speculations and hides the family's financial troubles from the women. His debts worsen the household's situation.
Contains a Vulgar Incident
Amelia's father, who reveals he sold the annuity from Joseph, worsening the family's financial plight.
Eothen
Now a bankrupt old widower, dependent on his daughter and the charity of his former rival, Mr. Osborne.
LVIII: Our Friend the Major
Frail and lost in memories of the past; Dobbin gently informs him of Joseph's return.
The Old Piano
Aged and broken by grief and misfortune, he is deeply affected by Joseph's return and weeps over his wife's death.
Returns to the Genteel World
Emerges from his refuge in the upper stories on days when Jos is absent, joining the small family party with Dobbin.
In Which Two Lights Are Put Out
Dies after a period of illness, reconciled with his daughter Amelia, and leaves a humble legacy.

Chapter companion notes

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See John Sedley in ii in which miss sharp and miss sedley prepare to open the campaign

See John Sedley in Rebecca Is in Presence of the Enemy