Vanity Fair · Character

Miss Osborne

George's spinster sister who lives with their father and later befriends Amelia.

minor

Also known as Miss Jane Osborne, Jane, old Jane, Dear Miss Osborne

First appearance: In Which Mr. Osborne Takes Down the Family Bible

Miss Osborne shows up with force in XII: Quite a Sentimental Chapter. The page is where that presence becomes real.

One of George's sisters; she and Maria patronize Amelia and wonder what George sees in her, reflecting their snobbery.

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In XII: Quite a Sentimental Chapter: One of George's sisters; she and Maria patronize Amelia and wonder what George sees in her, reflecting their snobbery. Later, in XIII: Sentimental and Otherwise: Present at the…

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See Miss Osborne in In Which Mr. Osborne Takes Down the Family Bible

Character Web

26 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Social climbers and soldiers
Minor characters and servants

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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

Miss Osborne appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XII: Quite a Sentimental Chapter
One of George's sisters; she and Maria patronize Amelia and wonder what George sees in her, reflecting their snobbery.
XIII: Sentimental and Otherwise
Present at the dinner; communicates with her sisters via glances about their father's mood.
A Quarrel About an Heiress
George's sister, who eagerly promotes the match with Miss Swartz and flatters the heiress.
Captain Dobbin Proceeds on His Canvass
Jane Osborne is the first to hear the news; she is initially shocked but softened by Dobbin's appeal.
In Which Mr. Osborne Takes Down the Family Bible
One of the daughters present in the household, part of the family portrait and the tense atmosphere.
Widow and Mother
One of Mr. Osborne's daughters, who grieves openly for her brother George and worries about a possible reconciliation with Amelia.
XLII: Which Treats of the Osborne Family
Jane Osborne lives a dreary, restricted life as her father's housekeeper, denied the chance to marry and subjected to his harsh rule.
In Which We Enjoy Three Courses and a Dessert
Miss Osborne is referenced indirectly as part of the social circle, but not directly featured in this chapter.
Georgy Is Made a Gentleman
Accompanies old Mr. Osborne on rides in the Park, and is present when Georgy rides by.
Returns to the Genteel World
Visits Amelia in Gillespie Street, bringing her closer to George, and is allowed to see her nephew more frequently.

Chapter companion notes

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See Miss Osborne in In Which Mr. Osborne Takes Down the Family Bible

See Miss Osborne in XII: Quite a Sentimental Chapter