George Bernard Shaw’s play, "Pygmalion," is set in 17th century England. The protagonist of the story is Eliza Doolittle, a young woman who struggles to sell flowers for a living. She fends for herself on the streets as her father only cares about drinking, and she doesn’t have any other family to turn to. One day, she runs into a narcissistic man named Higgins who agrees to take her on as his next challenge. Eliza agrees to let him turn her into a proper lady who speaks English on an educated level. Though they have drastically opposing personalities, the two of them work together to change Eliza into a woman that is more acceptable to society.
Eliza proves to be a static character over the course of the plot. Despite her successful transformation into a well-dressed aristocrat she still holds true to her old ways. Higgins continuously belittles Eliza but when the end of their time together draws near, he does not want to see her go. Eliza defiantly refuses to stay with Higgins because she does not want to deal with his disrespect and lack of consideration for her as a person of lower social status. In the end, Eliza stays true to herself. Her outward appearance changes but her personality and beliefs remain the same.
1. Eliza
Eliza is the town flower girl who struggles to make a living. Because of her poor status, she is unable to dress nicely and present herself as the typical lady. She is uneducated and her speech reflects such.
Because of Eliza’s shortcomings with the English language, Higgins finds interest in her. She agrees to be taken under Higgins wing as his next challenge to see if he can teach her how to act like an educated woman of higher class. Despite undergoing such a transformation, Eliza stays true to herself. On the surface some may see her as an aristocrat, but on the inside, she is still her bashful and independent self.2. Higgins
Higgins appears to be a gentleman but is proven to lack manners over throughout the entirety of the play. He is intellectual and well-studied in language. This contrasts with his poor social skills. He belittles Eliza and embarrasses his mother when he opens his mouth. The people around him realize this and try to help him become more understanding.
Higgins is significant to the plot. He gives Eliza the opportunity to undergo a complete transformation. Their relationship develops as Higgins teaches Eliza how to dress, act and most importantly, speak. His harsh attitude towards Eliza never changes and eventually drives her away.3. Pickering
Pickering is Professor Higgins's right hand man. He is the gentlemen who helps Higgins start his experiment with Eliza. He is the only one who treats Eliza with any respect. Pickering serves as a mediator and over looker of the task between Higgins and Eliza. He supports Higgins and his work but also helps to keep him in check when he goes off on Eliza.
4. Mrs. Pearce
Mrs. Pearce is Higgins's maid. She assists him in whatever ways necessary. She is regarded as higher on the social scale than Eliza. Her attitude towards Eliza is unfriendly when they first meet, but as they spend time together, she lightens up on her. Mrs. Pearce is given the task of helping transform Eliza into a new woman. She struggles to keep her under control throughout the process. Despite having an ill attitude towards Eliza when they first meet, she must bathe her, dress her and look after her in any way Higgins commands. She understands what good manners are and often corrects both Higgins and Eliza.
