Algernon Moncrieff

Algernon Moncrieff is a main character in the play The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. 

Algernon belongs to the upper class but his financial situation is poor. He confesses to being “more than usually hard up” (Act 1), and he tears a few bills as soon as they arrive. Lady Bracknell also mentions that “Algernon has nothing but his debts to depend upon” (Act 3). However, Algernon does nothing to solve his financial situation, which suggests that he is not practical or rational. 

Despite his money troubles, Algernon leads a lavish, idle lifestyle. He has a manservant, he receives guests, dines out, and goes to the theatre and the museum. According to Lady Bracknell, Algernon “has nothing but he looks everything” (Act 3). This means that he makes no compromises regarding his appearance and style, even though he cannot afford it. He purposefully ignores his problems because he does not want to bother dealing with them. The fact that he avoids responsibility highlights his unreliable nature. 

Algernon appre...