The Importance of Being Earnest

1. The Importance of Being Earnest

2. Who is Bunbury? Algernon’s imaginary friend, used as an excuse to ditch his responsibilities.

3. Who is Ernest? At first, Jack’s imaginary brother, used as an excuse to leave the country and have fun in the city.

4. Who is Jack? The main character, Algernon’s friend, in love with Gwendolen, Cecily’s guardian.

5. Who is Algernon? Jack’s friend, Gwendolen’s cousin, Lady Bracknell’s nephew, in love with Cecily. (The inventor of Bunbury)

6. Who is Gwendolen? A beautiful young lady, Algy’s cousin, Lady Bracknell’s daughter, in love with Ernest (Jack).

7. Who is Cecily? A beautiful young lady, Jack’s ward, in love with Ernest (Algernon). Very unrealistically romantic. (Recorded an imaginary engagement in her diary and wrote letters to and from Ernest.)

8. Who is Lady Bracknell? Algernon’s aunt, Gwendolen’s mother, a snob, married for money, disapproves of Jack, worries about seating at her dinner parties, gossips about people.

9. Who is Miss Prism? Cecily’s governess – tutor and caretaker. In love with Dr. Chasuble. Left (baby) Jack in a handbag.

10. Who is Dr. Chasuble? The minister in Jack’s country region. He is asked to christen both Algy and Jack (so they can be called Ernest). He is in love with Miss Prism (and sometimes embarrasses himself).

11. Who is Lane? Algernon’s butler.

12. Who is Merriman? Jack’s butler.

13. Who is Jack’s biological mother? Lady Bracknell’s sister; Algernon’s mother.

14. Who is Jack’s biological brother? Algernon

15. What is Jack’s actual name? Ernest John Moncrieff (same as his father, so technically, Jr.)

16. Who is Thomas Cardew? Jack’s adoptive father and Cecily’s grandfather. He’s the one who found Jack as a baby.

17. Who ends up together? Jack / Ernest & Gwendolen Algernon & Cecily Dr. Chasuble & Miss Prism