The School for Scandal: Analysis of Major Characters
"The School for Scandal" is a play that intricately explores the lives and characters of two nephews, Charles and Joseph Surface, as they vie for their uncle Sir Oliver Surface's fortune. Sir Oliver, seeking to determine which nephew is more deserving, disguises himself to observe their true natures. Charles Surface is portrayed as a kind-hearted but somewhat extravagant man, ultimately revealed to be the more virtuous nephew, while Joseph Surface is depicted as deceitful and manipulative, ultimately exposed for his falsehoods.
The play also features key supporting characters, including Sir Peter Teazle, who struggles with his young wife Lady Teazle's flirtation with Joseph, and Lady Sneerwell, who actively seeks to ruin others' reputations to elevate her own status. Maria, the ward of Sir Peter, remains steadfast in her affection for Charles, resisting the advances of Joseph, showcasing her strength and discernment. Other characters like Snake and Sir Benjamin Backbite contribute to the web of intrigue and scandal, highlighting the themes of honesty, reputation, and social manipulation. Collectively, these characters illustrate the play's critical view of the superficiality and hypocrisy present in society.
The School for Scandal: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Richard Brinsley Sheridan
First published: 1780
Genre: Play
Locale: London, England
Plot: Comedy of manners
Time: Eighteenth century
Sir Oliver Surface, a gentleman whose problem it is to discover which of two nephews is more worthy of the Surface fortune. Posing once as Mr. Premium, a moneylender, and also as Mr. Stanley, a poor relation, Sir Oliver is finally able to decide that Charles Surface is the worthier nephew.
Joseph Surface, the unworthy nephew. He is a double dealer and in the famous screen scene is discovered in several falsehoods by people upon whose influence his future depends. Joseph is one of two people who are left unhappy when the denouement takes place.
Charles Surface, Sir Oliver's worthy nephew. Charles' only real fault seems to be extravagance with money. He is well-intentioned and even kind and honest. Discovered by Sir Oliver to be the better of the two nephews, he wins the girl of his choice and receives his uncle's inheritance.
Sir Peter Teazle, an elderly nobleman and Sir Oliver's friend, whose lot in life it is to be married to a young wife who almost plays him false with Joseph Surface. Sir Peter is pleased at his part in helping to expose Joseph.
Lady Teazle, Sir Peter's young, country-bred wife, who relishes the pleasure of living in London. She treats her long-suffering husband with disdain until she learns that Joseph has simply been toying with her affections. Her lesson learned, she is a better wife to Sir Peter.
Lady Sneerwell, Lady Teazle's friend, who ruins women's reputations to make them more closely match her own. Her plan to expose Joseph for the person he is, wreck Charles' love for Maria, and gain Charles and the family fortune goes awry when her confederate, Snake, sells her out.
Maria, Sir Peter's ward, who is a girl with a good head on her shoulders. Her guardian selects Joseph to be her husband but, loving Charles, she keeps putting Joseph off, biding her time. Her patience is rewarded when Joseph overreaches himself; with his downfall, she gains Sir Peter's permission to marry Charles.
Snake, Lady Sneerwell's intimate, who takes money from two factions, thus aiding Sir Oliver by exposing Lady Sneerwell's plan to ruin Joseph, scandalize the Teazles, and win Charles and his uncle's money.
Sir Benjamin Backbite, a slanderer, Lady Sneerwell's friend.
Rowley, Sir Peter's servant, who believes from the beginning that Charles has a better character than Joseph.
Lady Candour, a lady whose defense of a reputation is certain to ruin it.
Moses, a Jew who concerns himself with Sir Oliver's money matters.