Tartuffe Character Analysis

While unique characters are very valuable in various forms of literature, authors can successfully utilize stereotyped characters to achieve author’s purpose. The character of Mariane in Tartuffe by Molière is a stereotypical “damsel in distress”, as the other characters must help her while they combat the hypocrisy of Tartuffe. When Orgon, blinded by his reverence for Tartuffe, announces that Mariane is to marry Tartuffe, it causes conflict between characters. Mariane has to express her opinion and defy her father, so that she will not marry a hypocrite and liar, despite being a generally submissive person. In Molière’s Tartuffe, the author successfully employs a conventional character through Mariane, to demonstrate the strife that fanaticism and

Dorine is a foil for Mariane, because she has no trouble speaking her mind and is clever enough to “...get [Mariane] out of this appalling mess.” (Moliere 57) Dorine cares about Mariane, and pushes her to stand up for herself. This is difficult for Mariane, because she has most likely never defied the orders of her father or placed her own happiness before her father’s wishes. Because of his obsession with Tartuffe, Orgon will not see reason, so Dorine must use her wits to expose Tartuffe and save Mariane. Orgon’s fanaticism for Tartuffe and announcement of a betrothal for Tartuffe and Mariane causes a lot of conflict and despair amongst the other characters. Mariane loses any hope of marrying her beloved, Valère, and believes “Despair shall be my counsellor and friend, and help me bring my sorrows to an end.” (59). Mariane also gets into an argument with Valère. Other conflicts include Orgon disowning his son, Damis, because Damis tries to expose Tartuffe, and Dorine challenging Orgon. The members of Orgon’s household believe that Orgon is a fool for trusting Tartuffe, as he is driving their family