Harpagon

Harpagon, the title character of The Miser, is a man defined by his avarice. His obsession with wealth transcends mere practicality; it borders on the pathological. For him, every penny saved takes precedence over all other things.

Harpagon's backstory sheds some light on his warped priorities. The audience learns he is a widower, which might explain his intense focus on material possessions to fill the void. His motivations are singular: to hoard every coin he can scrape together. He distrusts everyone, suspecting them all of plotting to steal his precious treasure.

This paranoia fuels his isolation and fuels the dramatic conflict of the play. Assuming everyone else is as covetous of his money as he is, Harpagon constantly fears being robbed. For instance, he calls his son's servant:

a treacherous scamp, whose cursed eyes watch all my actions, covet all I possess, and ferret about in every corner to see if there is anything to steal.

Harpagon's miserliness isolates him and creates chaos within his family, making him a complex and ultimately tragic figure.

Cléante 

In stark contrast to his miserly father, Cléante embodies youthful idealism. Cléante's motivations are largely driven by love for Mariane. He is willing to defy his father, even resorting to borrowing money at usurous rates to help her and her family.

Cléante walks a fine line between love and duty. While acknowledging his respect for his father (evident in his initial attempts to reason with him), Cléante prioritizes his happiness. He defies Harpagon's wishes by pursuing Mariane, demonstrating his willingness to challenge authority for his beliefs.

Cléante's idealism extends beyond just his romantic pursuit. He seems to possess a more general sense of fairness and a belief in individual choice. This idea is evident in his frustration with his father's stinginess and his attempts to reason with Harpagon about spending money more freely. 

His blend of idealism, defiance, and resourcefulness makes Cléante a well-rounded character who is both sympathetic and flawed. He represents the struggle between youthful dreams and the harsh realities of the world, particularly within a stifling family dynamic.

Élise 

Élise, Harpagon's daughter, is caught between a desire for love and societal expectations. Though not explicitly mentioned, her demeanor likely reflects her internal conflict. She exhibits a strong will and a sharp wit, as seen in her clever retorts to her father's pronouncements. However, she also expresses a concern for social standing and fears disapproval for marrying beneath her class, even if "beneath" is a servant in disguise.

This concern is highlighted when she tells Valère that she fears, 

the anger of my father, the reproaches of my family, the censure of the world, and, above all, Valère, a change in your heart! 

Despite these anxieties, Élise remains determined to pursue her love for Valère. She actively participates in schemes to outsmart her father and secure her happiness, showcasing her resourcefulness and courage.

Valère 

Valère is a man of resourcefulness and hidden depths. While his current role as a servant positions him below Élise socially, his wit and charm hint at a different past. He navigates his situation with a mix of genuine affection for Élise and a shrewd understanding of Harpagon's miserliness. Valère's true colors are revealed when he readily adopts a flattering persona to gain Harpagon's favor, displaying his adaptability and strategic thinking.

This shift in behavior can be interpreted in two ways. One could see it as a cynical ploy to manipulate the miser. However, Valère's genuine expressions of love for Élise throughout the play suggest a deeper sincerity. Highlighting his desire to prove his worth beyond flattery,...