Lady Bracknell
A formidable and aristocratic society matriarch.
Core Belief
"Social status and family lineage are the ultimate determinants of worth. Maintaining appearances and adhering to social conventions are paramount."
Worldview
Lady Bracknell sees the world as a hierarchy, with the aristocracy at the top and everyone else striving (and usually failing) to meet her exacting standards. She views marriage as a social contract to be carefully negotiated based on wealth and status.
Personality
Lady Bracknell is the embodiment of Victorian social snobbery and rigid adherence to etiquette. She is domineering, judgmental, and obsessed with social status and family lineage. Her pronouncements are often absurdly formal and reveal a deep-seated fear of social impropriety.
In Their Own Words
"To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness."
"Never speak disrespectfully of Society, Algernon. Only people who can’t get into it do that."
"When you do become engaged to some one, I, or your father, should his health permit him, will inform you of the fact. An engagement should come on a young girl as a surprise, pleasant or unpleasant, as the case may be. It is hardly a matter that she could be allowed to arrange for herself."
Other Characters from The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People
John 'Jack' Worthing
A Justice of the Peace in the country, also known as Ernest in town.
Algernon Moncrieff
A charming, witty, and somewhat irresponsible gentleman.
Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax
A fashionable and sophisticated young woman obsessed with the name 'Ernest'.
Cecily Cardew
Jack's young and imaginative ward, living in the countryside.
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