Short Answer 
Lady Bracknell is characterized by her instructive nature, determination, and reluctance to agree, showcasing her desire for control and ambition rooted in her background as a social climber striving for acceptance in the aristocracy. These traits contribute to her complex personality and play a crucial role in highlighting themes of class and societal expectations within the play.
Step 1: Identify Lady Bracknell’s Major Traits
In the passage, Lady Bracknell demonstrates several key traits that define her character. First, she is highly instructive toward Algernon, showcasing her desire to direct and control situations. Second, her determination signifies a strong will and commitment to her social aspirations. Finally, her reluctance to agree highlights her stubbornness and resistance to compromise, making her a complex character.
Step 2: Understand Her Background
Lady Bracknell’s character is rooted in her past as a social climber. Initially not belonging to the upper class, she is portrayed as someone who strives to integrate into the aristocracy. This background informs her behavior and attitudes throughout the play, as she navigates societal expectations and class dynamics. Her ambition and desire for social acceptance drive her interactions with other characters.
Step 3: Analyze the Implications of Her Traits
The traits exhibited by Lady Bracknell serve to illustrate her complex personality and the underlying themes of the play. Her instructive nature indicates her need for control, while her determination reveals her ambition. The reluctance to agree not only depicts her inflexibility but also invites humor and tension into the plot. Together, these traits contribute to her role in exploring themes of class and societal expectations.