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Dramatis Personae

Time: The Present

Place: London

The Action of the Play is completed within twenty-four hours.

An Ideal Husband

Act I

The octagon room at Sir Robert Chiltern’s house in Grosvenor Square.

Act II

Morning room at Sir Robert Chiltern’s house.

Act III

The Library in Lord Goring’s house. An Adam room. On the right is the door leading into the hall. On the left, the door of the smoking room. A pair of folding doors at the back open into the drawing room. The fire is lit. Phipps, the butler, is arranging some newspapers on the writing-table. The distinction of Phipps is his impassivity. He has been termed by enthusiasts the Ideal Butler. The Sphinx is not so incommunicable. He is a mask with a manner. Of his intellectual or emotional life, history knows nothing. He represents the dominance of form.

Act IV

Same as Act II.