The Importance of Being Earnest
Act 1, First Half
Describe the characters you have encountered so far. What do they value?
The characters encountered so far in Act 1 of "The Importance of Being Earnest" are Algernon Moncrieff, Jack Worthing (also known as Ernest), and Lane, Algernon's butler.
Algernon is witty, charming, and somewhat mischievous. He values pleasure, leisure, and indulging in his own desires. He is shown to be more laid back and carefree compared to the other characters.
Jack Worthing is the responsible and serious counterpart to Algernon. He values duty, honesty, and traditional values. He presents himself as a respectable and upright gentleman, but also has a hidden side as his alter ego "Ernest", through which he allows himself to indulge in more unconventional behavior.
Lane, the butler, adds a touch of cynicism and practicality to the conversations in the play. He values order, efficiency, and carrying out his duties as a servant.
Overall, the characters in Act 1 of the play seem to value different things such as social status, indulgence, tradition, and duty. Their interactions reveal their personalities and the conflicts that arise when their values clash with each other.