The main characters are Becky Sharp, who is shrewd and manipulative in her pursuit of a better life. Amelia Sedley, a gentle soul who has to face the challenges of society. And Dobbin, a man of integrity. There are also other characters like Jos Sedley, Amelia's brother, who is rather self - indulgent and cowardly.
One of the main themes is social climbing. The characters in the novel, like Becky Sharp, are constantly trying to move up in society through various means. Another theme is the contrast between appearance and reality. People present themselves in a certain way but are often quite different underneath. Also, the role of money and status in determining one's life and relationships is a significant theme.
The themes of love and marriage are also prominent. In 'Vanity Fair the novel', love is often intertwined with social and financial considerations. It shows how marriages are arranged not just for love but also for social and economic gain.
One implication is that sex is a means of social climbing. As seen with Becky Sharp, she uses her attractiveness and ability to engage in relationships with men to better her social standing.
In Vanity Fair, sex is often hinted at rather than explicitly described. It is part of the complex web of relationships and power dynamics. For example, the relationships between characters like Becky Sharp and various men involve elements of sexual allure and manipulation, which are used as tools in the cut - throat world of the novel's society to gain status and wealth.
Many of the characters are products of their society. The upper - class characters, like the Crawleys, are depicted as being preoccupied with status and appearances. They are often cruel or indifferent to those beneath them in the social hierarchy. This portrayal reflects the social structure of the time the novel is set in.