# The Way of the World — Character guide

> Key figures in The Way of the World by William Congreve.

- [Mirabell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_the_world_se/characters/mirabell.md): A witty gentleman in love with Millamant, scheming to secure her fortune.
- [Mrs. Millamant](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_the_world_se/characters/millamant.md): A beautiful, independent heiress courted by Mirabell, known for her wit.
- [Lady Wishfort](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_the_world_se/characters/lady_wishfort.md): Millamant's aunt, a vain and easily flattered older woman.
- [Fainall](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_the_world_se/characters/fainall.md): A cynical and scheming gentleman, married to Mirabell's former lover.
- [Mrs. Fainall](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_the_world_se/characters/mrs_fainall.md): Mirabell's former lover and Fainall's wife, caught in a web of deceit.
- [Mrs. Marwood](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_the_world_se/characters/marwood.md): A malicious woman secretly in love with Mirabell, plotting against him.
- [Witwoud](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_the_world_se/characters/witwoud.md): A foppish, witty gentleman and friend of Mirabell.
- [Petulant](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_the_world_se/characters/petulant.md): A foolish, affected gentleman who pretends to be a wit.
- [Sir Wilfull Witwoud](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_the_world_se/characters/sir_wilfull.md): A country bumpkin and half-brother to Witwoud, seeking a wife.
- [Foible](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_the_world_se/characters/foible.md): Lady Wishfort's clever and scheming maid.
- [Waitwell](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_the_world_se/characters/waitwell.md): Mirabell's servant, who impersonates Sir Rowland to trick Lady Wishfort.
- [Dame Partlet](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_the_world_se/characters/dame_partlet.md): A character referenced in a joke about a hen.
- [Sir Rowland](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_the_world_se/characters/sir_rowland.md): A fictional suitor impersonated by Waitwell to court Lady Wishfort.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_way_of_the_world_se/characters