Character guide

Mrs. Arbuthnot

major

Also known as dear Mrs. Arbuthnot, Gerald's mother

A woman with a secret past, fiercely protective of her son Gerald.

Lord Illingworth

major

Also known as Lord Illingworth, dear Lord Illingworth

A charming, cynical aristocrat who becomes entangled with Mrs. Arbuthnot and Gerald.

Gerald Arbuthnot

major

Also known as Gerald, young Arbuthnot, Gerald Arbuthnot Farquhar

Mrs. Arbuthnot's ambitious son, seeking a career with Lord Illingworth.

Lady Hunstanton

supporting

Also known as dear Lady Hunstanton, Lady Hunstanton

A gracious society hostess who gathers the main characters at her country house.

Mrs. Allonby

supporting

Also known as dear Mrs. Allonby, Mrs. Allonby

A witty, flirtatious society woman who trades epigrams with Lord Illingworth.

Hester Worsley

supporting

Also known as Miss Worsley, Hester

A young American woman with strong moral principles, visiting England.

Lady Caroline Pontefract

supporting

Also known as Lady Caroline, Caroline, dear Caroline

A sharp-tongued society matron who comments on everyone's behavior.

Lady Stutfield

minor

Also known as Lady Stutfield

A somewhat naive and impressionable society lady.

Sir John Kelvil

minor

Also known as Sir John, John, Kelvil, Mr. Kelvil

A pompous member of Parliament with strong opinions.

Archdeacon Daubeny

minor

Also known as Archdeacon, Doctor Daubeny, Mrs. Daubeny's husband

A clergyman who provides moral commentary at the house party.

Mrs. Daubeny

minor

Also known as Dear Mrs. Daubeny

The Archdeacon's wife, a quiet presence at the gathering.

Farquhar

minor

Also known as butler Francis, Francis

The butler at Lady Hunstanton's house.

Alice

minor

Also known as Alice

A maid in Lady Hunstanton's household.

Lord Alfred

minor

Also known as Dear Lord Alfred, Lord Alfred

A young aristocrat briefly mentioned or appearing.

Lady Cecilia

minor

Also known as dear Lady Cecilia, Cecilia

A friend of Mrs. Arbuthnot, mentioned in correspondence.

Lord Henry Weston

minor

Also known as Henry, poor Lord Henry

A deceased acquaintance mentioned in conversation.

Margaret

minor

A name briefly referenced, possibly a servant or relative.

Lady Kelso

minor

A society figure mentioned in passing.

Charlotte Pagden

minor

A name mentioned briefly, likely a minor acquaintance.