Shaw, George Bernard: 1856-1950
Pygmalion, 1913 - Characters
- Henry Higgins - A phonetics professor and a confirmed bachelor with a sharp intellect and a passion for language. He’s the central figure who takes on the challenge of transforming Eliza Doolittle, often coming across as brusque, self-absorbed, and socially oblivious, though brilliant in his field.
Eliza Doolittle - A young Cockney flower girl with a strong spirit and a rough exterior. She’s determined to better herself and becomes Higgins’ experiment, learning to speak and act like a refined lady. Her journey is one of self-discovery, not just linguistic polish.
Colonel Pickering - A kind, gentlemanly linguist and Higgins’ friend. He contrasts with Higgins by treating Eliza with respect and warmth from the start, helping fund her transformation while serving as a moral anchor in the story.
Mrs. Higgins - Henry’s mother, a witty and insightful woman who sees through her son’s flaws. She’s a voice of reason and often provides a grounded perspective on the social dynamics at play.
Alfred Doolittle - Eliza’s father, a dustman with a knack for colorful rhetoric and a carefree attitude toward life. He’s a comedic standout, especially when he stumbles into money and middle-class respectability, which he finds burdensome.
Freddy Eynsford-Hill - A charming but somewhat dim-witted young man from an upper-class family on the decline. He falls for Eliza after her transformation and represents a romantic subplot, though he’s more earnest than substantial.
Mrs. Eynsford-Hill - Freddy’s mother, a faded aristocrat clinging to social graces despite her family’s slipping status. She’s polite but superficial, embodying the class Higgins critiques.
Clara Eynsford-Hill - Freddy’s sister, who’s eager to adopt modern trends and slang, often to her mother’s dismay. She’s a minor figure but adds to the social satire.
Developed by AI - Characters from Spark Notes