Sir Robert Chiltern
- Henpecked Husband: Lady Chiltern is too ladylike to outright dominate her husband, but she clearly wields all of the authority in their relationship. When she demands that Sir Robert come clean, he writes a letter that instant. When she leaves, he crumbles.
- Impoverished Patrician: As a young man, before being taken under Baron Arnheim's wing.Sir Robert: I was twenty-two at the time, and I had the double misfortune of being well-born and poor, two unforgivable things nowadays.
- Nice Guy: Despite a past lapse in good judgement after succumbing to ambition, Sir Robert still gives the aura of a decent, law-abiding fellow who really just wants to please his wife and serve his government.
Lord Arthur Goring
- The Casanova: At least before his Love Epiphany.
- The Dandy
- Deconfirmed Bachelor: After spending the entire play insisting that marriage is not and never will be for him, he realizes that he's in love with Mabel. They get engaged by the end of the play.
- Gentleman Snarker
- Has a Type: It would appear to be beautiful, clever, and flirtatious women.
- Idle Rich
- Ladykiller in Love: Confirmed Bachelor and notable flirt, smitten with Mabel.
- Selective Obliviousness: About his feelings for Mabel until the very end of the play, even though Everyone Can See It, including Mabel herself.
- Sharp-Dressed Man
Mabel Chiltern
- English Rose: Mabel is described as looking like one, though more spirited and rebellious than her innocent, dainty appearance may lead one to believe.
- Spirited Young Lady: Clever and pretty, she rejects countless suitors who she finds boring despite their eligibility in status and wealth. She's outspoken, bold, and highly flirtatious with the man she sets her sights on, and matches his considerable wit.
Lady Gertrude Chiltern
- Black-and-White Insanity: She comes to realize, though, that no one is truly perfect.
- Proper Lady
Mrs. Laura Cheveley
- Gold Digger
- Manipulative Bitch
- Schoolyard Bully All Grown Up: Mrs. Cheveley and Lady Chiltern went to school together. According to Lady Chiltern, she was just as nefarious in her youth.
- The Vamp
Lord Caversham
- Grumpy Old Man
- Quintessential British Gentleman
- Shipper on Deck: Strongly encourages his son to propose marriage to Mabel. Whether or not it's because he recognizes how in love they are, or because he takes a liking to Mabel's spirited wittiness is up for debate.
