Becky is a scullery maid who works at Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies, the boarding school where the story takes place. Her background is one of poverty and hardship, as she is forced to work at a very young age to support her family, and she hails from the town of Ashfield. In her role as a scullery maid, she performs the most difficult and menial labor in the school's kitchen, and her appearance reflects her low station, as she is described as looking shabby and worn-out.

In terms of personality, Becky is a hard worker who remains respectful despite her difficult circumstances and the mistakes she sometimes makes. She is also optimistic and good-natured, though her life has left her looking worn and tired. While she is initially shy and aware of her low status, she proves herself to be a true and reliable friend, showing remarkable loyalty and generosity of spirit. Her motivation stems from a combination of her need to work for her family's survival and her deep, genuine affection for Sara, whom she comes to see as a sister and a source of hope.

Becky's primary role in the story is that of Sara Crewe's closest friend and companion, a relationship that defies the strict social hierarchy of the seminary. At first, Becky secretly observes Sara from a distance, listening to her stories and admiring her kindness. Sara is the only girl at the school who treats Becky with genuine respect and friendship, and in turn, Becky looks up to Sara and finds solace in her enchanting tales. Their bond becomes the emotional heart of the narrative, especially after Sara loses her wealth and is herself forced into servitude as a maid. When Sara's fortunes are reversed and she suffers terrible abuse and deprivation, it is Becky who provides constant support and helps pull her through the ordeal. They share a small, cold attic room, and their friendship is a source of mutual strength during their darkest hours.

The development of Becky's character is closely tied to her relationship with Sara. She transforms from a timid, overlooked servant into a more confident and valued individual. Through Sara's example, she learns about dignity and inner strength. The most significant change occurs at the story's resolution, where the nature of their relationship evolves. In many versions of the story, Becky is not simply kept on as a servant but is effectively adopted into Sara's new wealthy household as an equal, a sister, rather than a maid. This ending represents a complete reversal of her initial status and offers her a future of security and familial love. While Becky does not possess any special or notable abilities in a conventional sense, her greatest strengths are her steadfast loyalty, her capacity for hard work, and her resilient, optimistic nature that allows her to endure immense hardship without becoming bitter.