Extreme and Moderate Character of Tartuffe

Extreme and Moderate Characters in Tartuffe

In Moliйre's Tartuffe (Moirй 1664), the reader is able to see a great contrast of Extreme and Moderate characters. Extreme characters being those who are seen as over the top, or very passionate people, and the moderate characters having a more calm and subtle approach to ideas. The extreme characters in this case would be Madam Pernelle, Orgon, Tartuffe, and Dorine. The moderate characters are seen as Cleante and Elmire.

One of the characters that obviously fall into the extreme character category would be that of Madam Pernelle. Madam Pernelle is an excellent example of an extreme character because of her sharp remarks, and the idea of telling people exactly what she thinks. From the very beginning of the play, the reader is able to identify how out spoken this character is when she begins to defend Tartuffe in the opening pages.. This is demonstrated when Madam Pernelle comments on a remark made by Dorine saying, "Girl, you talk to much, and I'm afraid / You're far too saucy for a lady's maid. / You push in everywhere and have your say" (I, I, 21)

Another example of an extreme character in Tartuffe would be the character of Dorine. Much like Madam Pernelle, Dorine is an outspoken individual who does not like to be argued or reasoned with. She is very adamant about her idea of Tartuffe, and will not be easily persuaded into thinking otherwise. One instance of Dorine exemplifying her characters traits is when she makes a remark to her grandmother, Madam Pernelle, by stating that she, "could never take / To such a rascal, even for my father's sake. / That's how I feel, and I shall not dissemble. / His every action makes me seethe and tremble / With helpless anger, and I have no doubt / That he and I will shortly have it out." (I, I, 22)

On the other side of the spectrum we have those that are considered moderate characters. An ideal choice for a moderate character would be Cleante. Cleante is more of a soft-spoken character who although is very firm in her beliefs, tends to not come of as offensive or harsh as an extreme character would. He has a good heart and does not like to see people be taken advantage of. A good example of Cleante exhibiting his moderate characteristics would come while having an argument with Orgon, his brother-in-law, just after Orgon's conversation with Dorine