# Miss Prism — The Importance of Being Earnest character guide

> Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Miss Prism, Egeria

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

## Snapshot

Cecily's earnest governess, a thwarted novelist who lectures on morality while nursing a mysterious past and a quiet fondness for Dr. Chasuble.

## Who they are

Miss Prism runs the Manor House schoolroom with moral maxims and a three-volume novel she once wrote, urging Cecily toward German grammar and away from frivolous romance. She disapproves of Ernest's debts and extravagance with more heat than the situation strictly requires, hinting at secrets she has buried under respectability. Her past and her cautious flirtation with the local clergyman quietly prepare the ground for the play's final revelations.

## Relationships

### [Cecily Cardew](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_importance_of_being_earnest/characters/cecily_cardew)

_professional_

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

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

_social_

Lady Bracknell recognizes Miss Prism as the former nursemaid who lost a baby years ago, leading to a dramatic revelation.

## Links

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