ELMIRE from “Tartuffe”

Age: 40s+

ELMIRE is Orgon’s second wife and the fond stepmother of Orgon’s son, Damis, and daughter, Mariane. Elmire is a witty and fashionable lady who wears fine clothing and entertains many friends. She is a reasonably religious, virtuous woman, devoted to her husband and stepchildren. But Elmire is also wise to the ways of society. She recognizes the need to avoid scandal and to protect her husband’s family.

ELMIRE

Before I speak, however, it would be wise 

To close that door, and look about for spies. 

The very last thing that must happen now 

Is a repetition of this morning’s row. 

I’ve never been so badly caught off guard. 

Oh, how I feared for you! You saw how hard 

I tried to make that troublesome Damis 

Control his dreadful temper, and hold his peace.

In my confusion, I didn’t have the sense 

Simply to contradict his evidence; 

But as it happened, that was for the best, 

And all has worked out in our interest. 

This storm has only bettered your position; 

My husband doesn’t have the least suspicion, 

And now, in mockery of those who do, 

He bids me be continually with you. 

And that is why, quite fearless of reproof, 

I now can be alone with my Tartuffe, 

And why my heart—perhaps too quick to yield— 

Feels free to let its passion be revealed.