Who is Amelia Sedley in William Makepeace Thackeray’s Vanity Fair?

In William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel Vanity Fair, Amelia Sedley is a central character defined by her wellborn, passive nature and effete sentimentality. She serves as a narrative foil to her lifelong friend, Becky Sharp, whose lively ambition and amoral character drive much of the plot.12

Amelia’s story is marked by her marriage to George Osborne, who is killed at the Battle of Waterloo while contemplating deserting her for Becky. Throughout the novel, Amelia’s experiences contrast with the social maneuvering of those around her. Ultimately, the narrative concludes with her finding stability by marrying her long-term admirer, Captain William Dobbin.21