Short Plays · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in Short Plays by George Bernard Shaw.
Eliza Shakespeare
major
Also known as Shakespeare, Master Shakespeare, Elizabeth, Elizabeth Master Shakespeare, great Elizabeth
A character in The Dark Lady of the Sonnets, possibly Queen Elizabeth or a figure of Shakespeare's imagination.
O'Flaherty
major
Also known as O'Flaherty Furious, Mrs. O'Flaherty, O'Flaherty V.C., Private O'Flaherty V.C.
An Irish soldier and protagonist of O'Flaherty V.C., returning home with a Victoria Cross.
Cashel Byron
major
Also known as Cashel, Byron, Cashel Noisome quack, Cashel Thou, Cashel True, Cashel Flush, Bingley Bumpkin FitzAlgernon de Courcy Cashel Byron
A prizefighter and central character in The Admirable Bashville, navigating love and class conflict.
Gregory Juno
major
Also known as Mrs. Juno, Gregory, Gregory One, Mrs. Juno Gracious, Gregory Trespassers Will Be Prosecuted, Mrs. Juno Rising, Seraphita, Gregory Seraphita, Juno, Juno Look
A married couple in Overruled, exploring marital fidelity and temptation.
Lydia Carew
major
Also known as Lydia, Lydia Panting, Lucian, Lydia Lucian, Lydia Hurrah, Lydia Proceed, Lucian Death, Lydia The king, Lydia Carew, Lydia Lord Worthington, Lydia Oh
A wealthy heiress and love interest in The Admirable Bashville, torn between suitors.
Mrs. Lunn
major
Also known as Mrs. Lunn Mr. Juno, Juno, Lunn, Mr. Juno, Mrs. Lunn Rising, Juno Rising, Mrs. Juno, Mrs. Lunn Gregory, Mrs. Lunn Tops
A married woman in Overruled, entangled in a web of romantic complications.
Blanco Posnet
major
Also known as Blanco, Blanco Shortly, Blanco Retreating, Blanco Terrified, Blanco Forcibly, Blanco Oh, Blanco Mocking, Blanco Sheriff, Blanco Lord, Blanco Feemy
A horse thief and protagonist of The Showing-Up of Blanco Posnet, facing a moral crisis.
Lord Reginald Fitzambry
major
Also known as Reginald, Reginald Deprecating, Reginald Retreating, Reginald Aha, Reginald Horrified, Reginald Breaking, Reginald Fine old chestnut, Reginald Helpless, Reginald Angel, Reginald Transported
A nobleman in Passion, Poison, and Petrifaction, caught in a farcical domestic drama.
Georgina Mitchener
major
Also known as Georgina, She Poor dear Georgina, Mitchener Georgina, Mitchener, Mitchener Explosion, Mitchener Rising, Mitchener Calmly, Mitchener Show Mr. Balsquith, Mitchener Silence, Mitchener Nettled, Mitchener Cowards, Bismarck, Mitchener Bismarck
A character in Press Cuttings, involved in suffragette and political satire.
Captain Edstaston
major
Also known as Edstaston, Edstaston Bows, Edstaston Shortly, Edstaston Ironically, Naryshkin, Naryshkin Captain Edstaston, Edstaston Pardon, Edstaston Delicately, Edstaston Resisting, Edstaston Struggling, Edstaston Dignity, Edstaston Precisely, Edstaston Following
A British officer in Great Catherine, caught between Russian court intrigue and romance.
Sir Pearce Madigan
supporting
Also known as Sir Pearce Laughing, Sir Pearce, Sir Pearce Rising, Sir Pearce Unable, Sir Pearce Huffed, Sir Pearce Touched, Sir Pearce Scandalized, Sir Pearce Really, Sir Pearce Running, Sir Pearce Exhausted, Sir Pearce Warmly, Sir Pearce Silence, General Sir Pearce Madigan, General Madigan
A British general in O'Flaherty V.C., representing military authority.
Lord Augustus Highcastle
major
Also known as Blushing, Augustus, Lord Augustus Highcastle, Augustus Tush, Augustus Rising, The great Lord Augustus, Augustus Blushing, Dearest Gus, Augustus Beamish, Augustus Psha, Augustus Hm, Augustus Injured, Augustus Man, Augustus Rising, Augustus Explaining, Augustus Madam
A pompous aristocrat in Augustus Does His Bit, comically inept at wartime bureaucracy.
General Mitchener
major
Also known as General Mitchener, Mitchener, Mitchener Horrified, Lady Corinthia Admiring Mrs., Lady Corinthia, Lady Corinthia Smiling, Mitchener Somebody, Lady Corinthia General Mitchener, Mitchener Groaning, Mitchener Impatiently, Mitchener Chubbs - Jenkinson, Chubbs - Jenkinson, Mitchener Damn Who's Who, Mitchener Man, Mitchener Angrily, Mitchener Balsquith, Mitchener Nonsense, Mitchener Fish
A military figure in Press Cuttings, satirizing militarism and politics.
Henry Apjohn
supporting
Also known as Henry Carey, Henry, Henry Apjohn, Apjohn, She Henry, Oh Henry, Mr. Apjohn
A poet and suitor in The Admirable Bashville, competing for Lydia's affection.
Great Catherine
major
Also known as Great Catherine, Catherine, the Catherine, Empress Catherine II, Catherine Donnerwetter, Catherine Urbanely, Catherine Men, Catherine Pushing Edstaston, Catherine Patiomkin, Catherine To Patiomkin
The Russian empress in Great Catherine, a powerful and capricious ruler.
Anastasia Vulliamy
supporting
Also known as Anastasia To Mercer, Mercer, Anastasia, Anastasia Vulliamy, Miss Anastasia Vulliamy
A character in The Fascinating Foundling, involved in a comedic adoption scheme.
Young Strapper
supporting
Also known as young Strapper, Strapper, Strapper Kemp, Strapper Yes, Strapper On Pug Jackson, Strapper Young Jack, Jack
A young boxer in The Admirable Bashville, training under Cashel Byron.
Elder Daniels
supporting
Also known as Elder Daniels, Elder, Daniels, Elder Daniels The Sheriff, Elder Daniels Shocked, Elder Daniels Sheriff, Elder Daniels Morning, Elder Daniels Aye, Elder Daniels There
A religious elder in The Showing-Up of Blanco Posnet, representing frontier morality.
Squarcio
supporting
Also known as Squarcio, Squarcio Impressed, Sandro, Father Squarcio, Sandro Father Squarcio, Squarcio One
A character in The Glimpse of Reality, involved in a Renaissance intrigue.
Patiomkin
supporting
Also known as Patiomkin Carrying Edstaston, Edstaston, Patiomkin, Poor Patiomkin, Edstaston Astonished, Edstaston Delighted, Patiomkin, Superficially Patiomkin, Patiomkin Deliberately, Prince Patiomkin, Patiomkin Darling, Patiomkin Gravely, Darling, Patiomkin Amazed, Patiomkin Unmoved, Patiomkin Thunderously, Patiomkin Roaring, Roaring, Patiomkin Enthusiastically, Patiomkin Madman
Catherine the Great's lover and advisor in Great Catherine, a boisterous courtier.
Lord Chamberlain
supporting
Also known as the Lord Chamberlain, The Lord Chamberlain, the Japanese Lord Chamberlain, Lord Chamberlain
A censorious official in The Rejected Statement, satirizing theatrical licensing.
Frank Harris
minor
Also known as Frank, Frank Harris, Mr. Frank Harris, Mr. Harris, Harris
A real-life writer and editor, referenced in the preface as a critic of censorship.
Claire
supporting
Also known as Claire Jealous, Claire, Claire Coldly, Claire Darling, Claire Dearest, Claire Pausing
A character in Overruled, involved in the marital and romantic entanglements.
Catherine Dashkoff
supporting
Also known as Catherine Dashkoff, Dashkoff, Catherine Rising, Catherine, Catherine Meanwhile, The Princess Dashkoff, The Princess Dashkoff Returning, The Princess Oh
A Russian princess in Great Catherine, a confidante and political player.
Ermyntrude
supporting
Also known as Ermyntrude, The Archdeacon Ermyntrude, Ermyntrude Interrupting, Ermyntrude Duval, Captain Duval, Duval, Ermyntrude Captain Duval, Ermyntrude Sir, Ermyntrude Laughing, Ermyntrude But General Von Schinkenburg, Ermyntrude Shocked
A character in The Inca of Perusalem, involved in a wartime romance and intrigue.
Teresa
supporting
Also known as Teresa Shrinking, Teresa, Teresa Impatiently, Teresa Driscoll, Teresa Nicely, a dirty Driscoll
A character in O'Flaherty V.C., the mother of the protagonist.
Saint Barbara
minor
Also known as Saint Barbara, Barbara, Giulia, Giulia Saint Barbara, Giulia Rats, Giulia Shuddering, St. Barbara, Giulia Quick
A saintly figure in The Glimpse of Reality, invoked in a religious context.
Feemy Evans
supporting
Also known as Feemy Evans, Feemy, Elder, Elder Daniels Feemy Evans, Elder Daniels, The Elder, Elder Daniels There, Feemy Mr. Kemp, Feemy Morning
A woman in The Showing-Up of Blanco Posnet, connected to the posse and Blanco.
Phyllis
supporting
Also known as Phyllis, Phyllis Shuddering, Fitz Affecting, Fitz, Fitz Phyllis, Fitz Kneeling, Fitz Solemnly
A character in Passion, Poison, and Petrifaction, involved in the farcical plot.
Mrs. Bompas
supporting
Also known as Mrs. Bompas, Bompas
A character in How He Lied to Her Husband, a married woman in a comedic situation.
Thomas Tyler
minor
Also known as Thomas Tyler, Tyler
A scholar in the preface to The Dark Lady of the Sonnets, discussing Shakespeare's identity.
Signor Count
minor
Also known as Signor Count, Signor
A character in The Glimpse of Reality, a foreign nobleman involved in the plot.
Dennis
minor
Also known as Dennis, Denny ., Denny
A character in O'Flaherty V.C., a local Irishman.
Ferruccio
supporting
Also known as Ferruccio, Count Ferruccio, Count, Ferruccio Shouting, Ferruccio Killing, Ferruccio Giulietta, Giulietta, Ferruccio There, Ferruccio Soul, Ferruccio Brutally, Ferruccio Old fox
A character in The Glimpse of Reality, a vengeful nobleman.
Giuliaccia
minor
Also known as Giuliaccia
A character in The Glimpse of Reality, a woman caught in a love triangle.
General Strammfest
supporting
Also known as General Strammfest, Strammfest, Strammfest Shocked, Strammfest Annajanska, Strammfest Yielding
A military officer in Annajanska, involved in a revolutionary plot.
Bashville
supporting
Also known as Bashville Madam, Bashville, Madam, Bashville Cashel, Cashel, Bashville Destruction, Bashville Gods, Bashville Sir, The Admirable Bashville
A servant in The Admirable Bashville, loyal to Lydia and a secret poet.
Gregory Sibthorpe
supporting
Also known as Gregory Sibthorpe, Gregory, Gregory That, Gregory Impossible, Sibthorpe, Mr. Sibthorpe Juno, Sibthorpe Juno, Juno
A character in Overruled, a husband involved in the marital mix-ups.
Magnesia Adolphus
supporting
Also known as Magnesia Adolphus, Adolphus, Magnesia, Magnesia Fitztollemache, Lady Magnesia Fitztollemache, Lady Magnesia, Fitztollemache, the unhappy Magnesia Fitztollemache
A character in The Fascinating Foundling, a young woman seeking a husband.
Lieutenant Schneidekind
supporting
Also known as Lieutenant Schneidekind, Schneidekind, Schneidekind Rising, Schneidekind Good God, God, Schneidekind Pointing
A German officer in The Inca of Perusalem, a comedic military figure.
Hamlet
minor
Also known as Hamlet
Shakespeare's character, referenced in the interlude as a performed role.
Strega
minor
Also known as Strega Stopping, Strega Rising, Strega, Strega Pleased, Strega Ironically, Strega Disgusted, Strega Pausing, Strega Satisfied, Strega Right, Strega Thundridge
A character in The Glimpse of Reality, a witch or wise woman.
Sensation Adolphus
supporting
Also known as Sensation, Adolphus, Sensation . Adolphus Rising, poor Adolphus, Adolphus Lime, Adolphus Tush, Adolphus Bastable, Adolphus Satisfied
A character in The Fascinating Foundling, a young man seeking fortune.
Little Mother Naryshkin
minor
Also known as Little Mother, Naryshkin, dear Little Mother, Naryshkin Little Mother
A character in Great Catherine, a Russian noblewoman and mother figure.
Babsy
minor
Also known as Babsy, Jessie, Emma, Emma A sneak who sides with Babsy or Jessie, Babsy There, Babsy Spitting, Jessie That
Children in The Showing-Up of Blanco Posnet, involved in the town's moral drama.
Miss Evans
minor
Also known as Miss Evans
A character in The Showing-Up of Blanco Posnet, a local woman.
Varinka
minor
Also known as Varinka Surprised, Varinka, Ask Varinka, Varinka Happy Little Father, Little Father, Varinka Sot, Varinka Rushing, Varinka Disgusted, Varinka Heaven, Varinka Pig, Pig
A servant girl in Great Catherine, involved in the court's antics.
Lord Worthington
minor
Also known as Lord Worthington, Lydia Lord Worthington, Lydia, Lydia Oh, Dear Lord Worthington
A suitor in The Admirable Bashville, competing for Lydia's hand.
Ned Donnelly
minor
Also known as Ned Donnelly, Teddy
A character in O'Flaherty V.C., a local Irishman and friend.
Mr. Cyril Maude
minor
Also known as Mr. Cyril Maude, Cyril, Mr. Maude
A real-life actor, mentioned in the preface as a performer of Shaw's plays.
Aurora
minor
Also known as Aurora
A character in The Music Cure, a young woman seeking a musical remedy.
Blueloo
minor
Also known as Blueloo, The Lady Blueloo
A character in Press Cuttings, a suffragette or political figure.
Mr. Lunn
supporting
Also known as Mr. Lunn
A husband in Overruled, part of the marital comedy.
Ben Jonson
minor
Also known as Ben Jonson, Jonson, Ben
Shakespeare's contemporary playwright, referenced in the interlude.
Queen Elizabeth
supporting
Also known as Queen Elizabeth, Eliza, Queen Elizabeth Belike, Elizabeth
The English queen, a character in The Dark Lady of the Sonnets.
George Fitztollemache
minor
Also known as George Fitztollemache, George, Fitztollemache
A character in The Fascinating Foundling, a young man seeking a wife.
Mercer
minor
Also known as Mercer, Mercer Retreating, The Lord Chancellor Mr. Mercer, Mr. Mercer, The Lord Chancellor, Mercer Useless
A character in The Fascinating Foundling, a legal or official figure.
Horace Brabazon
minor
Also known as Horace Brabazon, Brabazon, Mr. Brabazon, Brabazon Well, Horatio, Brabazon The Lord Chancellor, The Lord Chancellor
A character in The Fascinating Foundling, a suitor or official.
Balsquith
supporting
Also known as Dead, Balsquith, Balsquith Relieved, Balsquith Dead
A politician in Press Cuttings, satirizing government and war.
Lord Gorell
minor
Also known as Lord Gorell
A character in The Inca of Perusalem, a courtier or official.
Fitz Dastard
supporting
Also known as Fitz Dastard, Fitz
A villainous character in Passion, Poison, and Petrifaction.
Sir Henry Irving
minor
Also known as Sir Henry Irving, the late Sir Henry Irving, Henry Irving, Irving
A famous actor-manager, referenced in the preface to The Dark Lady.
Lucian
minor
Also known as Lucian Fancies, Lucian, Lucian Sir, Lucian Lo
A character in The Admirable Bashville, a poet or suitor.
Colonel Lockwood
minor
Also known as Colonel Lockwood
A military officer in The Showing-Up of Blanco Posnet.
Mistress Mary Fitton
supporting
Also known as Bell, Mistress Mary Fitton, Mary Fitton, Mary, Mistress Fitton
The Dark Lady of the Sonnets, a character in the play of that name.
Oscar Wilde
minor
Also known as Oscar Wilde, Wilde, Oscar
A writer referenced in the preface, as a victim of censorship.
The Inca
major
Also known as the Inca, The Inca, The Inca Schinkenburg, Schinkenburg, Snooks, The Inca Snooks, Inca
A German emperor figure in The Inca of Perusalem, a satirical ruler.
Mrs. Warren
minor
Also known as Mrs. Warren
A character from Shaw's earlier play, referenced in the preface.
Lohengrin
minor
Also known as Lohengrin
A Wagnerian opera character, referenced in The Music Cure.
Ibsen
minor
Also known as Ibsen
The playwright, referenced in the preface as a dramatic influence.
