An Ideal Husband Character Analysis

Lord Arthur Goring

The play’s hero, an idle bachelor, a tireless seeker of pleasure, a mild-mannered social critic, and a shining wit: the exemplary dandy philosopher. He earns the title of dandy by applying the dandy’s principal modes… read analysis of Lord Arthur Goring

Sir Robert Chiltern

A well-liked, busy politician known for his integrity in both public and private life. In the beginning of the play, he seems to be entirely in control of his fate. He is successful, esteemed, and… read analysis of Sir Robert Chiltern

Lady Gertrude Chiltern

Sir Robert’s wife, an icy, fastidious woman who takes pride in her finely tuned moral sense. She always categorizes people into “bad” and “good”, and recognizes no middle ground. Her idea of the good… read analysis of Lady Gertrude Chiltern

Mrs. Cheveley

A well-dressed, intelligent, manipulative woman who is faintly connected to all three protagonists. She went to school with Lady Chiltern, was briefly engaged to Lord Goring, and has a fateful mutual friend with… read analysis of Mrs. Cheveley

Baron Arnheim

A mysterious figure from Robert Chiltern’s youth, and a former attachment of Mrs. Cheveley’s. In his lifetime, he preached the utter importance of power. He exists in the play not as a person… read analysis of Baron Arnheim

Lord Caversham

Lord Goring’s father, an irritable, stubborn man who frequently commands Lord Goring to grow up. He wants Lord Goring to marry, enter politics, and generally behave in a dignified manner. He is continually perplexed… read analysis of Lord Caversham

Lady Markby

A pleasant, decorous elderly lady who accompanies Mrs. Cheveley to all social events, apparently to lend Mrs. Cheveley an air of decency. In all respects, Lady Markby is the image of conservatism: her guiding lights… read analysis of Lady Markby

Mabel Chiltern

Sir Robert Chiltern’s sister, a lovely, funny young woman. Mabel takes frivolousness as seriously as Lord Goring. She is the only person in the play who can truly match wits with him, and… read analysis of Mabel Chiltern

Phipps

Lord Goring’s imperturbable butler, who caters to Lord Goring’s whims with a mixture of affection and strained tolerance. His perfect seriousness stands in counterpoint to Lord Goring’s perfect frivolousness, because both attitudes are seamless… read analysis of Phipps

Minor Characters

Mrs. Marchmont and Lady Basildon

Pretty, charming, eccentric young friends of the Chilterns. Their principal pleasure is an elaborate form of vague, glittering banter, and their principal occupation is their pleasure. They try to undo the duller aspects of propriety though humor.

Vicomte de Nanjac

An attaché at the French Embassy, and an amusing guest of the Chilterns.

Tommy Trafford

Mabel Chiltern’s dull admirer, who proposes to her more often than she would like.

An Ideal Husband

Oscar Wilde

An Ideal Husband Characters