Vanity Fair · Character

Mrs. Sedley

Amelia's doting mother, whose kind heart has already arranged a score of little schemes for her daughter's marriage and settlement.

supporting

Also known as honest Mrs. Sedley, good Mrs. Sedley, Mrs. Sedley

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

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

Kindly mother who has prepared a curry for Joseph and supports the family gathering.

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

See Mrs. Sedley in Rebecca Is in Presence of the Enemy Book page

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In Rebecca Is in Presence of the Enemy: Kindly mother who has prepared a curry for Joseph and supports the family gathering. Later, in The Green Silk Purse: Initially charmed by Rebecca; later considers dismissing her…

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

Character Web

14 connections

A slice of how Mrs. Sedley 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
Duel and society insiders

+9 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

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

Rebecca Is in Presence of the Enemy
Kindly mother who has prepared a curry for Joseph and supports the family gathering.
The Green Silk Purse
Initially charmed by Rebecca; later considers dismissing her after Mr. Sedley's warning but relents.
Dobbin of Ours
Good-naturedly recalls Dobbin's childhood accident with the punch-bowl and comments on the Dobbin sisters' lack of grace.
Vauxhall
Initially opposed to Jos marrying an artist's daughter, but gradually brought around by Amelia; later embarrassed and avoids Rebecca.
Who Played on the Piano Captain Dobbin Bought
Devoted to her family in their reduced circumstances; she welcomes Dobbin's visit and mistakenly believes the piano is a peace offering from George.
In Which Captain Dobbin Acts as the Messenger of Hymen
Initially opposed to the match due to Mr. Osborne's ingratitude, but becomes excited at the idea of elopement after Dobbin's suggestion.
Between London and Chatham
Welcomes Amelia with maternal affection, accompanies her shopping, and feels happy for the first time since their misfortunes.
A Family in a Very Small Way
Quarrels bitterly with Amelia over administering Daffy's Elixir to Georgy, leading to a permanent coolness between them.
Struggles and Trials
Amelia's mother, who grows infirm and weeps over the family's difficulties, remaining silent about the mounting debts.
Contains a Vulgar Incident
Amelia's mother, whose bitterness over poverty strains family relations.
Georgy Is Made a Gentleman
Now bedridden and querulous, cared for by Amelia.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Mrs. Sedley unlock in the free preview.

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

See Mrs. Sedley in Rebecca Is in Presence of the Enemy