Background
Themes
Tartuffe offers many themes for one to explore among them are, the dangers of a heirarchy within a family, religious piety and how it can be exploited, and hypocrisy and its effects on the public's view of religion.
Characters
- Tartuffe
- The main antagonist of the play, his role as the hypocrite is concealed until very early on, though suspicion arises during the beginning of the play.
- Orgon
- Could be considered the protagonist, he has been utterly confused into believing that Tartuffe is a saint of some kind.
- Cléante
- Insert Character explanation here....
- Dorine
- The lady's maid of ____ , very "out of place" constantly interjecting with her opinion and very talkative, not the typical personality for a lady's maid.
- Mariane
- Daughter of Orgon, engaged to Valére, is the subject of controversy when Orgon decides that she is to marry Tartuffe
- Elmire
- Is ultimately the one who brings out Tartuffe's corruptions by flirting with him with Orgon in concealed presence.
- Valére
- Madame Pernelle
- "Lady of the House", basically an old grandma who is jealous of the youth of her house and their vivacity.
Critical Perspectives
Additional Resources
