The Importance of Being Earnest
(Oscar Wilde)

Algernon Moncrieff ("Algy")

A young, eligible bachelor who lives in a fashionable flat in West London. An embodiment of the "Dandy" stereotypes often present in Wilde's work, Algernon is witty, overly concerned with his appearance, and tries hard to be pessimistic and never take anything seriously. Algernon despises the institution of marriage until he meets Cecily, who he falls in love with for her ability to challenge him in conversation.

Jack Worthing (Uncle Jack, John)

Jack Worthing is Algernon's friend. In town, he goes by the name of Ernest, but, at his country home, he is known as Jack. He is in love with Gwendolyn and is highly optimistic and romantic, in direct contrast to Algernon. One of the more sensible characters, he constantly reprimands Algernon for being heartless and ungentlemanly. As a baby, he was found in a handbag and doesn't know who his true parents are. In an unlikely turn of events, he finds out that he is actually Algy's older brother and real name is Ernest.

Lady Bracknell (Aunt Augusta)

The voice of appropriateness in the play, Lady Bracknell is Gwendolyn's mother and Algernon's Aunt. Her only concerns are social status and fortune, and she represents the shallowness of Victorian high society. She constantly objects to the engagements in the play, and the couples must receive her consent before they can marry.

Gwendolyn Fairfax

Gwendolyn is in love with Jack Worthing, though she knows him by the name of Ernest Worthing. She accepts his proposal, saying that she has always wanted to marry a man named Ernest and that she wouldn't accept a man with any other name. She is beautiful, intelligent and cultivated, though, like many of the characters, shallow. She find's Jack's mysterious origins intriguing, but refuses to marry him if his name is Jack.

Cecily Cardew

The grand-daughter of Thomas Cardew, the man who raised Jack Worthing, she grew up as Jack's ward. Eighteen and mischievous, she is quick witted, although she hates studying. She falls in love with Ernest from Jack's stories of him and writes about their courtship in her diary. Her companion is her governess, Miss Prism. Like Gwendolyn, she dreamed of marrying a man named Ernest, and she accepts Algernon's proposal under his false name.

Miss Prism

Cecily's governess of three years, Miss Prism is a respectable, intellectual woman. It becomes apparent that she is in love with Doctor Chasuble and spends time with him whenever possible. As a younger woman, Miss Prism worked for Lord Bracknell and accidentally misplaced their baby in her handbag. The baby turned out to be Jack Worthing.

Dr. Chasuble

The local priest, Dr. Chasuble often visits Mr. Worthing's manner because he enjoys Miss Prism's company. Although he takes walks with her, and flirts with her, because of his priesthood he is required to be celibate. When Algernon and Jack want to change their names, they go to Dr. Chasuble to be christened.

Bunbury

Algernon's made up invalid friend. Bunbury is constantly sick, verging on the edge of death, which allows Algernon to avoid any engagements he finds uninteresting. Algernon calls this avoidance "Bunburying" and develops a culture with rules and philosophies around the practice.

Ernest

Jack's imaginary brother, Ernest Worthing. Jack uses the name Ernest in town, and when he gets back to the country he tells Miss Prism and Cecily his exploits under his double identity. Because of these exploits, Cecily becomes interested in Ernest and falls in love with him.

Lane

Algernon's manservant at his flat in London. Lane prepares the tea, announces guests, and cleans up after Algernon. Lane and Algernon engage in playful banter, and Lane is familiar with his master's philosophies, expressing them himself. It is not clear if his manner is serious or sarcastic during his arguments with Algernon.

Merriman

The manservant at Jack Worthing's country manor. Merriman doesn't have much interaction with the characters, except to announce their entrance and perform small tasks such as serving tea.