The Critic

The Critic (Cyclopedia of Literary Characters)

At a glance:

Characters Discussed

Mr. Dangle, a wealthy Londoner who is stagestruck and brings into his house a constant parade of musicians, actors, critics, and other theatrical types. He is one of the witnesses to the rehearsal of Mr. Puff’s new play.

Mrs. Dangle, Mr. Dangle’s wife, who objects to the stream of theatrical callers who clutter up her house. She discusses the theater and drama with Mr. Sneer, who comes to call, and also rescues her husband from some musicians who cannot speak English but want him to get jobs for them.

Mr. Puff, a playwright as well as a press agent who praises things for a price. He has several categories of “puffs” that he writes in praise of anyone or anything when he is well paid. His play is the one being rehearsed, and he quarrels with the actors and the under-prompter because they have cut his lines and scenes and because the scenery has not been made. Mr. Puff is very proud of his playwriting ability.

Mr. Sneer, Mr. Dangle’s friend, with whom he discusses the theater. He is one of the group who watch the rehearsal of Mr. Puff’s play.

Sir Fretful Plagiary, a dramatist who cannot stand any kind of criticism of his work. He brushes aside any critical remarks about his new play and holds forth at great length against those who say anything unflattering about his playwriting.

Bibliography:

Auburn, Mark S. Sheridan’s Comedies. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1977. The first chapter characterizes the nature of comedy between 1748 and 1780, emphasizing Sheridan’s role in its development. A separate chapter is devoted to The Critic.

Ayling, Stanley. A Portrait of Sheridan. London: Constable, 1985. Places The Critic in its social and political context. Describes Sheridan’s involvement with the theater.

Danziger, Marlies K. Oliver Goldsmith and Richard Brinsley Sheridan. New York: Frederick Ungar, 1978. The initial chapter places Sheridan’s plays in their social and literary context. Another chapter analyzes The Critic as a complex study of the relationship of art and life.

Durant, Jack D. Richard Brinsley Sheridan: A Reference Guide. Boston: G. K. Hall, 1981. Lists the major editions of Sheridan’s work and offers nearly 300 pages of critical studies dating from 1816 to 1979. Extensive annotations.

Loftis, John. Sheridan and the Drama of Georgian England. Oxford: Basil Blackwell, 1976. Contains a chronology of Sheridan’s life and a bibliography that includes critical studies of Sheridan’s plays, background studies, and biographies. Connects The Critic to the political climate that influenced the play’s satire and to the burlesque tradition.

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