Jack and Algernon both create fictional identities for their own convenience in The Importance of Being Earnest. Are there any important differences between their deceptions?

The two deceptions employed by Jack and Algernon that are roughly equivalent are Jack's made-up brother Ernest and Algy's made-up friend Bunbury. This is why Algy calls Jack a "Bunburyist." Each has made up an excuse to get him out of doing things he doesn't want to do, so he has the opportunity to do what he wants to do.
However, Jack's taking on the identity of Ernest is different from Algy's taking on the identity of Ernest. Jack is engaging in his own deception, which gives him greater control of the story. Although he has deceived Gwendolen about his name, he really doesn't try to dissimulate about who he is. When Lady Bracknell interviews him, he presents his real identity to her, including the fact that he was, as she puts it, "born and bred in a handbag." It is only his name that he has changed. (The exception is the fact that he doesn't pay his bill at the hotel; he doesn't reveal the facts about his true self to the bill collectors.)
When Algy assumes the name of Ernest, on the other hand, he fully enters into the fabrication that Jack, not he himself, has created. He presents himself to Cecily and to the rest of Jack's household as if he is actually Jack's brother. He doesn't reveal any truths about his real identity until Gwendolen's appearance forces him to. Therefore, besides being a "stolen" false identity, Algy's pretense is more deceptive than Jack's.


There are several important differences I can think of here.
1. Jack is dedicated to his ward, Cecily, and the life he lives under what he believes to be his real name and real persona is the life he spends with her. His fictional personality exists so that he can enjoy himself in town as "Ernest" when he needs to escape. He does this in large part to protect Cecily from any potential connections with dubious acts committed by "Ernest." He wants to protect Cecily's reputation and her good opinion of him. So, while there is a selfish element to his deception, he is not thinking of himself alone, and he does not run away from his responsibilities.
Algernon's fictional friend, "Bunbury," exists purely for the purpose of helping Algernon escape social engagements he doesn't want to go to. Bunbury represents an escape from his responsibilities. When Algernon takes on the persona of Ernest, it is again for his own purposes: he wants to meet Jack's young ward. His deception furthers his selfishness, and he does not consider its impact on Cecily. Meanwhile, Jack's deception is born entirely out of his concern with impact on Cecily.
2. Jack is perfectly willing to abandon his fictitious persona when he feels it is necessary. Algernon has no intention of abandoning his deception until he is exposed against his will.
3. While Jack thinks he is only masquerading as Ernest, just like Algernon, in actual fact, he really is Ernest. Jack is what he was pretending to be all along, as is revealed at the end of the play, when Jack recognizes "the vital importance of being Earnest."

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