Vanity Fair · Character

Lord Steyne

Powerful, cynical Marquis who takes Becky under his patronage, opening high society's doors while exacting a price her husband never suspects.

supporting

Also known as Steyne, the Marquis of Steyne, old Steyne

First appearance: Gaunt House

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

Implied as the richly dressed figure of the Wicked Nobleman, on which no expense has been spared, and which Old Nick will fetch away.

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Lord Steyne is the great peer whose partiality Becky cultivates with perfect frankness, turning his attachment into appointments, introductions, and hope of a peerage for Pitt. He moves through Vanity Fair as its most cynical insider, generous with influence and contemptuous of the people he elevates. His patronage is the summit of Becky's ascent—and the fault line along which her marriage and reputation will eventually crack.

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See Lord Steyne in Gaunt House

Character Web

46 connections

A slice of how Lord Steyne 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
Miss Crawley's circle

+41 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.

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

Lord Steyne appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Before the Curtain
Implied as the richly dressed figure of the Wicked Nobleman, on which no expense has been spared, and which Old Nick will fetch away.
The Subject Continued
A frequent visitor at Becky's home, he makes sardonic remarks about Rawdon's diminished role.
Between Hampshire and London
Visits Rebecca's home, shows deference to her, and takes an interest in Sir Pitt's career.
Gaunt House
The Marquis of Steyne, owner of Gaunt House, lives in Naples; a good scholar and amateur casuist who enjoys pitting his sons' tutor against the family's Catholic director.
In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company
Visits Becky after his wife and daughter leave their cards; teases her about her social climbing and gives her a banknote.
In Which We Enjoy Three Courses and a Dessert
Lord Steyne asserts his dominance over his family, forcing them to accept Becky and revealing his cynical control over the household.
LI: In Which a Charade Is Acted Which May or May Not Puzzle the Reader
Patron of Becky, provides resources for her parties, and incites the charade entertainment at Gaunt House.
In Which Lord Steyne Shows Himself in a Most Amiable Light
Admires Becky's cunning after uncovering her lies about the money; continues his visits despite family objections; provides a position for Briggs at Gauntly Hall.
A Rescue and a Catastrophe
Confronted by Rawdon, struck, and exposed as Becky's benefactor.
Sunday After the Battle
The intended recipient of Rawdon's challenge; implicated in the scandal with Becky.
In Which the Same Subject Is Pursued
Furious that Rawdon's fortune is made through his means; the duel is buried in secrecy but becomes town talk.

Chapter companion notes

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