# Cecily Cardew — The Importance of Being Earnest character guide

> Cecily Cardew in The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Cecily, Miss Cecily Cardew, Miss Cardew, Cecily Cardew, cousin Cecily

**First appearance:** 0003-act-ii

## Snapshot

Jack's imaginative young ward in the country, who has fallen in love with a wicked brother she has never met.

## Who they are

Cecily studies German, tolerates Miss Prism's lessons, and keeps a diary devoted to the thrilling Ernest, whose scandals she has embroidered into romance. When Algernon arrives at the Manor House posing as that very brother, her fantasy collides with a real suitor, and her composed sparring with Gwendolen reveals a will as firm as her imagination. Her invented engagement makes the country household a second stage for the play's deceptions.

## Relationships

### [Algernon Moncrieff](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_importance_of_being_earnest/characters/algernon_moncrieff)

_romantic_

Algernon woos Cecily under the false identity of Jack's fictional brother Ernest, leading to a whirlwind engagement.

### [Jack Worthing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_importance_of_being_earnest/characters/jack_worthing)

_family_

Cecily is Jack's ward, and he acts as her guardian, though she often defies his authority.

### [Gwendolen Fairfax](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_importance_of_being_earnest/characters/gwendolen_fairfax)

_rivalry_

Cecily and Gwendolen initially clash over their shared belief they are both engaged to the same man, Ernest.

### [Lady Bracknell](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_importance_of_being_earnest/characters/lady_bracknell)

_social_

Lady Bracknell interviews Cecily as a potential bride for her nephew, scrutinizing her social standing.

### [Dr. Chasuble](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_importance_of_being_earnest/characters/dr_chasuble)

_social_

Cecily is a parishioner and student of Dr. Chasuble, engaging with him in polite, educational exchanges.

### [Miss Prism](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_importance_of_being_earnest/characters/miss_prism)

_professional_

Miss Prism is Cecily's governess, tasked with her education and moral guidance.

### [Jack Worthing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_importance_of_being_earnest/characters/jack_worthing)

_family_

Cecily is Jack's ward, and he acts as her guardian, though she often defies his authority.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_importance_of_being_earnest/characters/cecily_cardew
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_importance_of_being_earnest
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_importance_of_being_earnest/characters