Vanity Fair · Character

Mrs. Bute Crawley

The rector's ambitious wife, who maneuvers relentlessly to secure Miss Crawley's fortune for her own branch of the family.

supporting

Also known as Even Mrs. Bute Crawley, the amiable Mrs. Bute Crawley, the triumphant Mrs. Bute

First appearance: XI: Arcadian Simplicity

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

The Rector's wife who refuses to visit Lady Crawley, snubbing her as a tradesman's daughter.

In the storyIX: Family PortraitsOpen this moment free

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In IX: Family Portraits: The Rector's wife who refuses to visit Lady Crawley, snubbing her as a tradesman's daughter. Later, in XI: Arcadian Simplicity: The shrewd and thrifty wife of the Rector, who secretly…

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See Mrs. Bute Crawley in XI: Arcadian Simplicity

Character Web

11 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Minor characters and servants
Protagonist
Social climbers and soldiers

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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

Mrs. Bute Crawley appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

IX: Family Portraits
The Rector's wife who refuses to visit Lady Crawley, snubbing her as a tradesman's daughter.
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.
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 Mrs. Bute Crawley in XI: Arcadian Simplicity

See Mrs. Bute Crawley in IX: Family Portraits