In a world where everyone is striving for what is not worth having, no-one is more determined to climb to the heights of English Society than Miss Rebecca Sharp.

Becky Sharp charms her way through darkest Hampshire, making friends with nearly everyone in her new family.

Becky lives with rich Aunt Matilda, and her future is looking bright. But as war clouds gather, everyone's fortunes take a tumble…

On the eve of the battle, Becky makes a triumphant entrance into high society and finds a new use for old friends.

As the Battle of Waterloo begins, Becky decides the war isn’t so bad, so long as there’s money to be made.

Becky works out how to live well on little, but flies too high as she joins the dizzy ranks of lords, ladies and kings.

Becky is lost and then she is found, but will she have a happy ending?