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Character Role Analysis

Anselme, Harpagon

In stark contrast to Harpagon's heartlessness and stinginess, Anselme is both sympathetic and generous with his money. His willingness to empty his pockets to pay for his children's marriages, for one, puts his kindness in juxtapositon to Harpagon's miserliness. No doubt about it, Harpagon doesn't even belong in the same league as Anselme. By the end of the play, Anselme leaves the stage overjoyed that his children will be happy in their marriages. For him, family and kindness are everything. By embodying these qualities, he gives us one final, damning look at how selfish and cruel Harpagon is.