Which literary work is famously centered around a character named Ernest?

The literary work that centers around a character named Ernest is "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde. This play is a comedy of manners that revolves around two main characters, Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff, who create fictitious identities to escape their responsibilities and pursue romantic interests. The title itself emphasizes the significance of the name 'Ernest', as it symbolizes sincerity and honesty, which are central themes of the play. The character Jack, who adopts the name ‘Ernest’ to woo Gwendolen, highlights the irony and comedic elements of the narrative, where honesty is contrasted with deception. Wilde's work cleverly critiques Victorian society's values surrounding marriage, identity, and the social constructs of earnestness, making it a staple of English literature.