Lady Windermere's Fan characters

Also known as Margaret

Appears from the start

A young London society wife approaching her twenty-first birthday. She takes pride in firm moral judgments and in the apparent perfection of her marriage, leaving little room in her worldview for mixed motives or forgiveness.

Appears from the start

Lady Windermere's husband. His unexplained payments to Mrs. Erlynne and his insistence that she attend his wife's birthday ball make his behavior look suspicious, although he refuses to give Margaret a full explanation.

Appears from the start

A fashionable friend of Lady Windermere who speaks cynically about society and openly tells her that he loves her. He presents himself as an alternative to the conventional life she believes has betrayed her.

Appears from the start

A socially experienced older woman who brings Lady Windermere gossip about Mrs. Erlynne and Lord Windermere. Her confidence in the rumor pushes Margaret to examine her husband's private bankbook.

Appears from the start

A woman with a scandalous reputation who has recently appeared in London society. Lord Windermere has been paying her substantial sums, and his effort to secure her an invitation makes Lady Windermere regard her as a rival.

Also known as Tuppy

First appears in chapter 2

A good-natured, wealthy bachelor who admires Mrs. Erlynne and hopes to marry her. He is sensitive to society's opinion but easily guided by a persuasive explanation.

First appears in chapter 2

A witty society bachelor among the men who gather after Lady Windermere's ball. His sharp observations and questions help turn the discovery of the fan into a public threat.

First appears in chapter 2

A fashionable man whose flirtatious conversations at the birthday ball reflect the casual codes and evasions of the society surrounding the Windermeres.

First appears in chapter 2

A married society woman who flirts with Mr. Dumby while carefully maintaining appearances. She welcomes Mrs. Erlynne once the newcomer has secured a place at the ball.

Appears from the start

The Windermeres' butler, responsible for announcing visitors and managing the entrances that repeatedly upset the household's efforts at privacy.