What is the central conflict in act 1 of The Importance of Being Earnest?

The main conflict in the first act can be found in the relationship of Algernon and Jack. Though we believe them to be friends, we quickly learn that they both disapprove of the other in some way, and that they both indulge in the same forms of deception to break away from societal expectations. Very alike..... they are also very different based upon their upbringings.... also a source of conflict, as Algernon possesses the name and heritage without the money. Jack, on the other hand, has the wealth but lacks the family heritage.