Main Characters & Descriptions

John (Jack/Earnest) Worthing

John Worthing, also known as Jack, lives a double life. His first and real persona, Jack, whom he portrays himself to be in the country, where he lives his responsible life. His second is Earnest, where he plays this role in the city, is irresponsible and lives to deceive and seek out women. Jack is known for his wealth and obnoxious sense of humor.

Algernon Moncrieff

Algernon, who is younger than Jack, also lives a double life, expect Algernon is Earnest in the country and himself in the city. Algernon is a poser for the luxurious life, he takes less responsibility and is selfish as he has a disrespect for the fortune that he is soon to inherit. Algernon also has an imaginary friend named Bunbury, whom he uses to get out of boring occasions in his life and to create excitement.

Gwen Fairfax

Gwen, Lady Bracknell's daughter, is sophisticated and confident but believes that other peoples opinions of you are important. She listens and obeys her mother in public but is adventurous and a rebel in private. She agrees to marry Jack despite her mothers views of him, but only if his name is Earnest.

Cecily Cardew

Cecily is Jack's ward, and she is he daughter of Jack's adopted father. She is an 18 year old secluded girl who is tutored at Jack's by Miss Prism, but doesn't like her rules. Cecily is young, imaginative and romantic who is also a bit naive. She is in love with Algernon, but would also prefer if his name was Earnest.

Lady Bracknell

The symbol of Victorian earnestness, Lady Bracknell believes that style is more important than substance, that social and class barriers should be established. She is Algernon's aunt and searches for someone to love him and be a good wife. She is very strongly opinionated and bullies people. She believes that wealth is more important than breeding. Lady Bracknell is from the lower class but married into wealth.

Miss Prism

Miss Prism is Cecily's governess--tutor-- who teaches her to have no imagination, boring and by the books, but she lives a secret life with a misplaced novel and flirting with vicar.

Rev. Canon Chasuble

Canon Chasuble gives sermons, but not ones that people would expect. Like a servant, He does what Jack wants. He wants Miss Prism.