Act 3 Summary

In Act 3, the plans are set in motion to prevent the wedding of Mariane to Tartuffe. Damis wishes to take physical action against Tartuffe, for he is deeply troubled not only that their father wishes for Mariane to marry Tartuffe, but also that his father is now opposing her marriage to Valère. Dorine tries to calm him, telling him that her plan will accomplish the same end, but without violence. Dorine has arranged for Elmire to speak with Tartuffe alone and try to persuade him to tell Orgon that he does not wish to marry Mariane. Damis wants to witness this conversation, but Dorine knows his temper, and tells him that he should leave before he ruins everything.

At this point, Tartuffe enters, babbling about all of the good and holy work he is doing. Dorine speaks to him, and he insists...