Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Valère

Throughout this play, Valère serves as a guide and judge whenever Harpagon wants to settle a dispute. For example, Harpagon chooses Valère to teach Élise to do as her father wishes. Little does Harpagon know, though, that Valère is only playing the role of mentor to Élise because he loves her and hopes to marry her himself. All of the advice he gives her is just what he thinks Harpagon wants to hear. In private, he actually guides her on how to act against Harpagon's wishes.