The Way of the World

The Way of the World

by

William Congreve

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Witwoud Character Analysis

Petulant’s best friend, Lady Wishfort’s nephew, Sir Wilfull’s half brother, Millamant and Arabella Fainall’s cousin, Witwoud is a “fop,” or fool who cares too much about being fashionable. He is often Petulant’s mouthpiece, supplying him with vocabulary and interpreting the nonsense he spouts. Witwoud used to live in the countryside with his half-brother but has since moved to London, working first as a clerk. He doesn’t seem to have an occupation during the play and spends his time mostly hanging out with Petulant at the chocolate house and attending Lady Wishfort’s cabal meetings. Though hardly a wit like Mirabell, Witwoud is not as foolish as Petulant. He knows what people are up to, particularly Fainall, and occasionally reveals his knowledge about Fainall and Marwood’s plots to those around him. He has a troubled relationship with his country-bumpkin half-brother, who he at first refuses to recognize. But they later become friends and he joins Sir Wilfull’s plan to travel around the continent, along with Petulant.

Witwoud Quotes in The Way of the World

The The Way of the World quotes below are all either spoken by Witwoud or refer to Witwoud. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Jealousy, Deceit, and Intrigue Theme Icon
).
Act 1, Scene 9 Quotes

Where modesty’s ill manners, ’tis but fit
That impudence and malice pass for wit.

Related Characters: Mirabell (speaker), Witwoud, Petulant
Page Number: 13
Explanation and Analysis:
Act 3, Scene 16 Quotes

Sheart, I was afraid you would have been in the fashion too, and have remembered to have forgot your relations.

Related Characters: Sir Wilfull Witwoud (speaker), Lady Wishfort, Witwoud
Page Number: 42
Explanation and Analysis:
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Witwoud Quotes in The Way of the World

The The Way of the World quotes below are all either spoken by Witwoud or refer to Witwoud. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Jealousy, Deceit, and Intrigue Theme Icon
).
Act 1, Scene 9 Quotes

Where modesty’s ill manners, ’tis but fit
That impudence and malice pass for wit.

Related Characters: Mirabell (speaker), Witwoud, Petulant
Page Number: 13
Explanation and Analysis:
Act 3, Scene 16 Quotes

Sheart, I was afraid you would have been in the fashion too, and have remembered to have forgot your relations.

Related Characters: Sir Wilfull Witwoud (speaker), Lady Wishfort, Witwoud
Page Number: 42
Explanation and Analysis: