Tartuffe characters

Appears from the start

A prosperous Parisian householder who has become devoted to Tartuffe, a supposedly holy man. Orgon treats his guest's advice as more important than his family's welfare and refuses to hear their warnings that his trust is misplaced.

Appears from the start

Orgon's sensible second wife. She recognizes Tartuffe's conduct as hypocrisy and tries to protect her stepchildren while managing her husband's obstinacy with patience and practical intelligence.

Appears from the start

Orgon's outspoken son. He is fiercely protective of Elmire and openly hostile to Tartuffe, but his quick temper makes it difficult for him to expose the impostor without harming his own position.

Appears from the start

Orgon's obedient daughter, who loves Valere and expects to marry him. Her father's sudden command that she marry Tartuffe leaves her caught between filial duty and her own happiness.

Appears from the start

Mariane's sharp-witted maid and advocate. Dorine sees through Tartuffe from the start, mocks the household's pretensions, and says directly what her employers are too constrained or confused to say.

Appears from the start

Elmire's brother and the household's voice of moderation. He distinguishes sincere religion from display, challenges Orgon with reason, and repeatedly tries to prevent anger and pride from worsening the family's troubles.

Appears from the start

Orgon's imperious mother. She begins by scolding nearly everyone in the household and praising Tartuffe as the only person willing to correct them, sharing her son's confidence in his apparent piety.

First appears in chapter 2

Mariane's intended husband. He loves her but is sensitive to any sign that she might submit to Orgon's new marriage plan; Dorine must overcome both lovers' pride and reconcile them.

First appears in chapter 3

A houseguest whom Orgon reveres as a model of religious discipline. On appearing in person, Tartuffe displays elaborate modesty while privately pursuing Elmire and using Orgon's confidence to strengthen his place in the household.

First appears in chapter 5

A bailiff who arrives with formal notice that Orgon's family must leave the house because Tartuffe now holds the property. His ceremonious politeness does not soften the threat he delivers.

First appears in chapter 5

A royal officer who arrives when Tartuffe expects the authorities to arrest Orgon. He instead announces that the king has recognized Tartuffe as a habitual criminal and orders Tartuffe's arrest.