New York City
The Miser recounts a day in the life of a notoriously tight-fisted Hapagon as he annouces his plans to remarry, to a young woman named Mariane being the object of his ardor. His intentions, however, lie in direct conflict to those of his son, Cleante, for Mariane, unbeknownst to Harpagon, has already given her heart to Cleante. Further, Harpagon pledged his daughter Elise to a wealthy suitor, not knowing of her love for Valere, a young man of noble parentage who works as a servant in Harpagon’s house. As the confusion builds, Cleante and Elise scheme against their father, separating him from his moneybox in an effort to u nite the children with their lovers.