A Woman of No Importance

Main Characters and Their Development

• Lady Hunstanton — a socialite who hosts gatherings and is the mistress of the house where the play takes place. She embodies the hypocrisy and superficiality of high society.
• Mrs. Arbuthnot — a woman with a tragic past who raises her son alone. She represents resilience and moral strength despite societal condemnation.
• Gerald Arbuthnot — Mrs. Arbuthnot's son, a young man eager to build a career, unaware of his mother's past secrets.
• Lord Illingworth — a charming and cynical aristocrat who turns out to be Gerald's father. His character reveals themes of seduction and irresponsibility.
• Hester Worsley — a young American woman who adheres to strict moral principles and opposes societal hypocrisy. She serves as the play's moral compass.