Pygmalion Characters Flashcards

Study Notes

Key Characters in Pygmalion

Henry Higgins
Professor of phonetics, mentors Eliza in her transformation. Exhibits impatience and rudeness, with a tendency to bully those around him.
Eliza Doolittle
A poor flower girl who evolves into a polished, educated woman through Higgins’ guidance, showcasing her intelligence and newfound refinement.
Colonel Pickering
Higgins’ supportive friend, also interested in phonetics. Displays gentlemanly behavior and uses his wealth to fund Eliza's development.
Alfred Doolittle
Eliza's father, a dustman known for his drinking and numerous relationships. Although he unexpectedly inherits wealth, he struggles with societal expectations and the burden of responsibility.
Mrs. Higgins
Henry's mother, a voice of reason in the household, often intervening when tensions arise among the characters.
Freddy Eynsford-Hill
A young man who becomes enamored with Eliza. Ultimately marries her and starts a business together, despite financial limitations.
Clara Eynsford-Hill
Ambitious but unlikable young woman attempting to embody modern values. Works in a second-hand furniture shop, facing challenges of loneliness and financial insecurity.
Mrs. Eynsford-Hill
Mother of Freddy and Clara, representing a dilapidating upper-middle-class status while desperately maintaining her social standing.
Mrs. Pearce
The cautious housekeeper of Higgins, who disapproves of the social experiment and fiercely upholds propriety.
Nepommuck
A multilingual former student of Higgins, who misidentifies Eliza as a Hungarian princess while serving as an interpreter, adding to the story's comedic misunderstandings.