Lady Windemer's Fan characters

Appears from the start

A young society wife approaching her twenty-first birthday. She has built her life around strict ideas of honor and disgrace, shaped by the belief that her mother died when she was an infant. Lord Darlington's attentions trouble her, but the gossip surrounding her husband and Mrs Erlynne presents a more immediate test of her certainty.

Appears from the start

Lady Windermere's husband and the father of their young son. He is making unexplained payments to Mrs Erlynne and insists that his wife invite the woman to her birthday ball. His secrecy makes his conduct appear compromising even as he claims that his marriage is not threatened.

Appears from the start

A fashionable bachelor who visits Lady Windermere on her birthday and openly admires her. He argues that society's moral rules are less dependable than she believes, mixing serious romantic interest with a practiced air of cynicism.

Appears from the start

A socially commanding acquaintance who brings Lady Windermere the rumor that Lord Windermere has been supporting Mrs Erlynne. Talkative and worldly, she treats scandal as both a danger and a form of entertainment while directing her daughter Agatha's future.

Appears from the start

The Duchess of Berwick's quiet daughter. Her mother answers most questions on her behalf and encourages the attentions of Mr Hopper, a wealthy visitor from Australia.

Appears from the start

A wealthy Australian visitor whom the Duchess of Berwick considers a suitable match for Agatha. He is earnest about his interest in her but has little opportunity to speak with her independently.

Appears from the start

A poised woman trying to enter London society despite a past that polite circles regard as disreputable. Lord Windermere has been giving her money, and her proposed attendance at his wife's ball drives the household crisis. Her motives remain uncertain when she is first discussed.

Also known as Tuppy

First appears in chapter 2

A genial, wealthy bachelor who hopes to marry Mrs Erlynne. Though his friends do not take him entirely seriously, he wants to know whether Lord Windermere's connection with her makes his own courtship impossible.

First appears in chapter 2

One of the witty society men attending Lady Windermere's ball. He trades observations about marriage and reputation with the other guests and later joins the late-night gathering at Lord Darlington's rooms.

First appears in chapter 2

A languid member of the same fashionable circle as Cecil Graham and Lord Darlington. He attends the Windermeres' ball and participates in the men's conversation afterward.