Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, was a French playwright, actor, and poet, widely regarded as one of the great writers in the French language and world literature. His extant works include comedies, farces, tragicomedies, comédie-ballets, and more. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed at the Comédie-Française more often than those of any other playwright today. His influence is such that the French language is often referred to as the "language of Molière."

Born into a prosperous family, Molière studied at the Collège de Clermont (now Lycée Louis-le-Grand). Thirteen years as an itinerant actor helped him polish his comedic abilities while he began writing, combining Commedia dell'arte elements with more refined French comedy. Through the patronage of aristocrats, including Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, Molière performed before the King at the Louvre, which led to significant success.

Despite his success, his satires attracted criticism, particularly from the Catholic Church, which led to some of his works being banned. Molière's health deteriorated over the years, and he died in 1673 during a performance of his final play, The Imaginary Invalid.