The character of Proserpine Garnett in Candida is Reverend James Mavor Morrell’s secretary or typist. According to the playwright’s description, Prosperpine, who does not care for the nickname Prossy that others often use, is “a brisk little woman . . . of the lower-middle class.” She is about 30 and dresses neatly in a blouse and skirt but can afford only inexpensive clothes. She is quick-witted and not always polite but is “sensitive and affectionate.”

Proserpine is in love with her employer, who is unaware of her affections, but Candida, his wife, understands this. When Marchbanks begins to complain to Proserpine about love, it disturbs her usually composed exterior, and she speaks angrily to Candida’s father. In terms of her work, she is accurate and efficient. Her job includes keeping Morrell’s calendar, helping him prepare his lectures and manuscripts, taking dictation in shorthand, and typing his correspondence.