One of the main characters of the book is Jack. He lives at the country side, but he goes quite often to the city to visit his friend Algernon. However, in the city they think his name is `Ernest', since he has introduced himself like this. Ernest wants to get married to Gwendolen, however Lady Bracknell (the mother of Gwendolen) disagrees with the engagement unless Jack finds out who his parents were.

Jack returns disappointedly to his house in the countryside, where he surprisingly meets his friend Algernon. The reason for Algernon's visit to the countryside is to meet Jack's little niece, Cecily. Algernon introduces himself as Jack's brother, named Ernest. Algernon and Cecily fall in love.

Gwendolen visits the house of Jack as well. She had an argument with Cecily because they both thought that they felt in love with the same man. After asking Jack and...