The Importance of Being Earnest · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.
Jack Worthing
major
Also known as Ernest, Mr. Ernest Worthing, Mr. John Worthing, John, Uncle Jack
A gentleman with a double life, known as Ernest in town and Jack in the country.
Algernon Moncrieff
major
Also known as Algy, Mr. Algernon Moncrieff, Mr. Moncrieff, Brother John
Jack's witty friend who invents a fictional invalid named Bunbury to escape social obligations.
Gwendolen Fairfax
major
Also known as Miss Fairfax, Gwendolen
Lady Bracknell's daughter, in love with Jack believing his name is Ernest.
Cecily Cardew
major
Also known as Cecily, Miss Cecily Cardew, Miss Cardew, Cecily Cardew, cousin Cecily
Jack's ward, a romantic young woman living in the country who dreams of marrying Ernest.
Lady Bracknell
supporting
Also known as Aunt Augusta, Lady Bracknell
Gwendolen's formidable mother who disapproves of Jack's origins.
Miss Prism
supporting
Also known as Miss Prism, Egeria
Cecily's governess and a novelist with a mysterious past.
Dr. Chasuble
supporting
Also known as dear Dr. Chasuble, Chasuble
The local rector who is courted by Miss Prism.
Lane
minor
Also known as Lane
Algernon's unflappable butler.
Merriman
minor
Also known as Merriman
Jack's butler at the country house.
Bunbury
minor
Also known as Mr. Bunbury, this Mr. Bunbury
Algernon's fictional invalid friend used as an excuse.
Lord Bracknell
minor
Also known as Lord Bracknell
Lady Bracknell's absent husband, mentioned but never appears.
Thomas Cardew
minor
Also known as the late Mr. Thomas Cardew, Thomas, Cardew
The deceased gentleman who adopted Jack as a baby.
Mary Farquhar
minor
Also known as Mary Farquhar
A society lady mentioned in passing.
Lady Harbury
minor
Also known as dear Lady Harbury
A widow mentioned as looking younger since her husband's death.
Lady Bloxham
minor
Also known as Lady Bloxham
A society figure mentioned by Lady Bracknell.
Lady Lancing
minor
Also known as Lady Lancing
A minor society name dropped in conversation.
