The Country Wife · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Country Wife by William Wycherley.
Mrs. Margery Pinchwife
major
Also known as Pinchwife, Mrs. Pinchwife
A naive country wife brought to London, whose innocence is tested by urban temptations.
Mr. Horner
major
Also known as Horner, Harry Horner, Harry
A witty rake who feigns impotence to seduce married women without suspicion.
Lady Fidget
major
Also known as Lady Fidget
A fashionable lady who pursues pleasure while maintaining a hypocritical reputation.
Mr. Harcourt
supporting
Also known as Harcourt, Ned Harcourt, Ned
A gentleman and friend of Horner, who falls in love with Alithea.
Alithea
supporting
Also known as Alithea
Pinchwife's sister, a sensible woman engaged to Sparkish but drawn to Harcourt.
Mr. Sparkish
supporting
Also known as Sparkish, Master Sparkish
A foolish, vain fop who is engaged to Alithea but loses her to Harcourt.
Sir Jasper Fidget
supporting
Also known as Sir Jasper, Jasper Fidget
Lady Fidget's gullible husband, easily distracted by business and pleasure.
Lucy
supporting
Also known as Lucy
Alithea's clever maid, who aids the romantic intrigues of the play.
Mrs. Dainty Fidget
supporting
Also known as Mrs. Dainty, Dainty
Lady Fidget's sister-in-law, equally eager for Horner's attentions.
Mrs. Squeamish
supporting
Also known as Mrs. Squeamish
A prudish lady who secretly pursues Horner and fashionable society.
Dorilant
supporting
Also known as Dorilant, Mr. Dorilant
A witty gentleman and friend of Horner, often engaged in banter.
A Quack
minor
Also known as Quack
A doctor who helps Horner spread the rumor of his impotence.
Old Lady Squeamish
minor
Also known as Lady Squeamish
Mrs. Squeamish's mother, a gossipy older woman in the social circle.
Frank
minor
Also known as Frank, honest Frank
A friend of Sparkish, often mocked for his simplicity.
Sir Martin Mar-all
minor
Also known as Sir Martin Mar, Sir Martin
A character briefly mentioned as a type of foolish knight.
Charles Hart
minor
Also known as Charles Hart
An actor mentioned in the prologue, not a character in the play.
William Wycherley
minor
Also known as Wycherley
The author of the play, referenced in the epilogue.
Isabella
minor
Also known as Isabella
A name mentioned in passing, not a developed character.
Mercury
minor
Also known as Mercury
The Roman god, referenced in the epilogue as a messenger.
