The Importance of Being Earnest Characters Analysis
John (Jack/Ernest) Worthing, J.P.
John Worthington is said to be the protagonist of the play. He is apparently quite responsible and well respected by those who know him. However, he decides to lead a double life. Whilst in Hertfordshire, people there have come to know him as Jack. When in London, people know him as Earnest. Jack was taken in by an old man as a baby who was found in a handbag in a cloakroom. Jack grew to love a cousin of his best friend whom he eventually married. He was also a Justice of the Pace as his initials indicate.
Algernon Moncrieff
Algernon is the next best hero of this enjoyable play. Many women will find him very charming. Algernon is also a well known lazy bachelor who knows how to tease people. Algernon is the cousin of Gwendolen Fairfax, Lady Bracknell’s nephew, and Jack’s best friend. He also went with the name Earnest for a large number of years. Many would describe Algernon as amoral, fantastic, selfish and witty. He also came up with an imaginary friend whose name was Bunbury.
Gwendolen Fairfax
Gwendolen is the daughter of Lady Bracknell. She is also Algernon’s cousin. It is she who very quickly fell in love with Jack. She has always believed that his name was Earnest. Gwendolen was a rich woman who was very fashionable. In fact, she was a model. She speaks very loudly on moral matters. Gwendolen has been described as pretentious, intellectual, sophisticated and cosmopolitan. She is obsessed with the name Earnest. In fact, she