Tartuffe: A pious fraud, presented as a religious devotee but is actually deceitful and manipulative. His hypocrisy and lust lead to various conflicts throughout the play.
Orgon: The head of the household who is deceived by Tartuffe’s apparent piety. He is determined to marry his daughter to Tartuffe despite her wishes.
Elmire: Orgon’s wife, who sees Tartuffe's true nature and devises a plan to expose him.
Damis: Orgon’s son, who is outraged by Tartuffe’s actions and tries to reveal Tartuffe’s true character to Orgon.
Mariane: Orgon's daughter, who is being forced into marriage with Tartuffe against her will.
Dorine: Mariane’s maid, outspoken and perceptive, who aids in revealing Tartuffe’s true nature.
Hypocrisy: Tartuffe’s false piety is a central theme, showcasing the difference between genuine faith and its counterfeit.
Gullibility and Blind Faith: Orgon’s blind trust in Tartuffe highlights the dangers of being overly ambitious in one’s faith without questioning or discerning true intentions.
Family Dynamics: The strain within the family caused by Orgon’s devotion to Tartuffe and the differing responses of each family member.
Plot Overview
Act 1
Introduction to the pious Tartuffe and the divided opinion of him between Orgon and the rest of the family.
Initial discussions about Mariane’s forced marriage to Tartuffe.
Act 2
Orgon’s declaration to marry Mariane to Tartuffe, against her wishes.
Dorine’s attempts to help Mariane resist the marriage.
Act 3
Elmire’s plan to expose Tartuffe by luring him into revealing his true nature while Orgon is hidden.
Elmire successfully exposes Tartuffe’s lustful intentions to Orgon.
Act 4
Orgon’s realization of Tartuffe’s hypocrisy and his attempt to throw Tartuffe out of the house.
Tartuffe’s threat to evict Orgon and seize his property using a deed of gift previously signed by Orgon.
Climax where Tartuffe’s true nature is unsuccessfully contested publicly before royal intervention.
Act 5
Arrival of the royal officer who explains the King’s awareness of Tartuffe’s deceitful nature.
Tartuffe’s arrest and the restitution of Orgon’s properties and social standing.
Celebration of justice and the engagement between Mariane and Valère.
Key Quotes
Tartuffe: “Cover that bosom girl. The flesh is weak and unclean thoughts are difficult to control.”
Orgon: “Yes, thanks to him I’m a changed man indeed.”
Elmire: “I tried to make that troublesome Timmy control his dreadful temper and hold his peace.”
Important Scenes
Elmire's Plan: Elmire lures Tartuffe into a confession while Orgon listens in secret, revealing Tartuffe’s deceit.
Tartuffe’s Threat: Tartuffe attempts to use Orgon’s signed deed to evict the family.
Royal Intervention: The king intervenes, recognizing Tartuffe’s duplicity and restoring order.
Conclusion
The play addresses the dangers of hypocrisy and blind faith, emphasizing the importance of reason and integrity. Tartuffe serves as a cautionary tale about the ease with which deceit can infiltrate even the most pious domains.