Act I:

The play opens in Algernon Moncrieff's luxurious London flat. Algernon, an aristocratic bachelor, receives his friend Jack Worthing, who goes by the name "Ernest" when in town. Jack reveals he is in love with Gwendolen Fairfax, Algernon's cousin, and plans to propose to her. However, Algernon discovers a cigarette case that reveals Jack’s double life: in the country, Jack is the responsible guardian of his ward, Cecily Cardew, but in the city, he is "Ernest," a libertine.

Gwendolen and her mother, Lady Bracknell, arrive. Jack proposes to Gwendolen, who is enamored with the name "Ernest" and accepts. Lady Bracknell, however, disapproves when she learns Jack was found as an infant in a handbag at Victoria Station, deeming him socially unacceptable. Determined, Jack resolves to discover his true parentage to win Lady Bracknell's approval.

Act II:

The scene shifts to Jack's country estate. Cecily is intrigued by tales of "Ernest," her guardian's fictitious brother. Algernon, intrigued by Cecily and wanting to meet her, arrives at the estate pretending to be "Ernest." Cecily, already fascinated with the idea of "Ernest," quickly falls for Algernon.

Meanwhile, Jack returns, announcing that Ernest has "died" in Paris, only to find Algernon masquerading as Ernest. Confusion ensues, but both men continue their deceptions to pursue their romantic interests. Gwendolen arrives at the estate, leading to a confrontation between her and Cecily, both believing they are engaged to "Ernest." The truth about the dual identities begins to unravel.

Act III:

In the final act, all the main characters convene at the country estate. Lady Bracknell arrives, complicating matters further. It is revealed that Cecily is extremely wealthy, making her a desirable match for Algernon in Lady Bracknell's eyes. However, Lady Bracknell still disapproves of Jack's origins.

The resolution comes when Miss Prism, Cecily’s governess, is recognized by Lady Bracknell. Miss Prism reveals that years ago, she mistakenly placed a baby (Jack) in a handbag and left him at Victoria Station. Jack discovers he is actually Algernon's elder brother and was originally named "Ernest." With the mystery of his origins solved, Jack (now truly Ernest) is acceptable to Lady Bracknell. The play concludes with both couples, Jack and Gwendolen, and Algernon and Cecily, joyfully embracing their engagements. Jack remarks that he has now learned the "vital Importance of Being Earnest."

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