Sir Benjamin Backbite

Backbite is a suitor to Marie. He is a gossip who will slander anyone, even those he does not know. Lady Sneerwell admires Backbite's wit and poetry Backbite is an especially malicious character whose rude behavior is encouraged in the company of his uncle, Lady Sneerwell, and Mrs. Candour

Sir Harry Bumper

Toby is one of Charles' s friends who spends his time drinking, gambling, and singing.

Mrs. Candour

Mrs. Candour is a good-natured and friendly gossip whose talkative nature makes her dangerous, since she spreads slander more effectively than Backbite or Crabtree.

Careless

Careless is one of Charles's friends. He plays auctioneer when the family pictures are sold to Mr. Premium.

Crabtree

Crabtree is Backbite's uncle and as big a gossip as his nephew.

Maria

Maria is Sir Peter's wealthy ward. She is in love with Charles and he is in love with her. Her...