Character guide

Mr. Robin Gilbey

major

Also known as Gilbey, Mr. Gilbey, Bobby, Rob, Bob, Master Bobby, Bobby Gilbey

A prosperous tradesman and father, deeply concerned with his daughter's marriage prospects.

Mrs. Knox

major

Also known as Knox, Margaret, Mrs. Knox Margaret, Margaret Startled, Meg

A strong-willed matriarch who clashes with her daughter over social conventions.

Mrs. Gilbey

supporting

Also known as Gilbey, Juggins, Mrs. Gilbey Juggins, Mrs. Gilbey Unruffled

The excitable wife of Mr. Gilbey, often flustered by family drama.

Fanny

major

Also known as Fanny Mr. Trotter, Fanny Sorry, Fanny Radiant, Fanny Shaking, Fanny Papa

The young heroine whose play within the play drives the story.

Mr. Trotter

supporting

Also known as Trotter, Trotter Disappointed, Trotter Shocked, The Count Mr. Trotter

A critic and playwright who comments on Fanny's work.

Bobby Juggins

supporting

Also known as Bobby, Juggins, Bob, Bobby Rising, Bobby Hastily

A young man entangled in romantic misunderstandings.

Margaret Knox

major

Also known as Margaret, Meg, Margaret Jumping, Margaret Goodbye, Margaret Holloway Gaol

The rebellious daughter of Mrs. Knox, seeking independence.

Mr. Knox

minor

Also known as Knox, Mr. and Mrs. Knox

The quiet husband of Mrs. Knox, often overshadowed by his wife.

Darling Dora

supporting

Also known as Dora, Dora Sweetly, Dora Charitably, Dora Overcome, Dora Delaney

A charming and manipulative young woman involved in the plot.

Holy Joe

minor

Also known as Joe, Jo

A religious figure who provides moral commentary.

Vaughan

minor

Also known as Savoyard, Mr. Vaughan, Vaughan Utter, Vaughan Still

A critic and member of the Savoyard group.

Flawner Bannal

minor

Also known as Mr. Bannal, Bannal, Savoyard, Mr. Flawner Bannal

A theatrical critic and member of the Savoyard circle.

Mr. Cecil Savoyard

minor

Also known as Cecil Savoyard, Savoyard, Mr. Savoyard

A pompous critic who judges Fanny's play.

Miss Knox

minor

Also known as Juggins Miss Knox, Knox

A younger relative of the Knox family, often in the background.

Monsieur Duvallet

minor

Also known as Duvallet, Duvallet Pardon

A French visitor who adds comic relief.

Count O'Dowda

supporting

Also known as The Count, Count, the immortal Stagirite, the Stagirite

An eccentric aristocrat who sponsors the play.

Maria

minor

Also known as Gilbey Maria

A servant in the Gilbey household.

Mr. Gunn

minor

Also known as Gunn, Savoyard Gunn, Gunn Ca

A critic and member of the Savoyard group.

Juggins

minor

Also known as Juggins Miss Delaney, Rudolph Juggins, Rudolph

A butler who serves the Gilbey family.

Bobby Brighton

minor

Also known as Bobby

A young man from Brighton, briefly mentioned.

Amelia

minor

Also known as Amelia Knox

A relative of the Knox family.

Mr. Doovalley

minor

A minor character mentioned in passing.

Vines

minor

A minor character with no significant role.

Peter

minor

A minor character briefly referenced.

Pinero

minor

A historical playwright mentioned as an allusion.

Byron

minor

Also known as Lord Byron, the Byron

A historical poet referenced in the text.

Wellington

minor

A historical figure mentioned in passing.

Granville Barker

minor

Also known as Gunn Granville Barker, Barker

A real-life playwright referenced in the text.

George Bernard Shaw

minor

Also known as Shaw, Bernard Shaw, the hackneyed old Shaw touch

The author, referenced as a character in the induction.