The Importance of Being Earnest: who's who, timeline and places
Everyone in The Importance of Being Earnest, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.
- JackJack uses different identities in town and country and wants to marry Gwendolen.First seen in chapter 1
- AlgernonAlgernon is Jack's confidant and invents a sick friend to escape obligations.First seen in chapter 1
- GwendolenGwendolen accepts Jack's proposal and remains devoted despite Lady Bracknell's refusal.First seen in chapter 1
- Lady BracknellLady Bracknell refuses to approve Jack's marriage because his parents are unknown.First seen in chapter 1
- Cecily CardewCecily Cardew avoids her lessons and accepts Algernon's proposal while believing he is Ernest.First seen in chapter 2
- Miss PrismMiss Prism leaves for a walk with Dr. Chasuble while Cecily avoids her lessons.First seen in chapter 2
- Dr. ChasubleDr. Chasuble accompanies Miss Prism on a walk.First seen in chapter 2
- Chapter 1
Over tea, Jack tells Algernon that he intends to propose to Gwendolen.
- Chapter 1
A cigarette case exposes Jack's concealed country life, and he explains his invented brother Ernest.
- Chapter 1
Algernon admits his sick friend Bunbury is imaginary and uses the supposed illness to escape a dinner invitation.
- Chapter 1
Gwendolen accepts Jack's proposal, but Lady Bracknell refuses approval because his parents are unknown.
- Chapter 1
Algernon secretly records Jack's country address and announces a trip using Bunbury as his excuse.
- Chapter 2
Cecily avoids her lessons, and Miss Prism leaves for a walk with Dr. Chasuble.
- Chapter 2
Algernon arrives as Ernest and charms Cecily.
- Chapter 2
Jack returns in mourning, announces Ernest's death, and arranges his own christening before confronting Algernon.
- Chapter 2
Cecily agrees to marry Algernon while he pretends to be Ernest.
- Chapter 2
Gwendolen's arrival exposes both men's false names and unites the women against them.
- Chapter 3
Gwendolen and Cecily forgive the men when both promise to undergo christening.
- Chapter 3
Lady Bracknell rejects Jack's engagement but approves Cecily as Algernon's bride after learning about her fortune.
- Chapter 3
Jack withholds permission for Cecily's marriage unless Lady Bracknell accepts his own engagement.
- Chapter 3
Miss Prism's account of a misplaced baby identifies Jack as Algernon's older brother.
- Chapter 3
A military directory establishes that Jack's first name really is Ernest.
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