Character Analysis
Like most characters in this play, Mariane is mainly defined by her love. The person that Mariane is smitten by is Cléante, which is why it comes as devastating news when she finds out that (for financial reasons), she might have to marry Cléante's father Harpagon.
She shows quickly that even though she's a modest young lady she isn't afraid to tell it like it is, saying, "Oh Frosine! What a face!" when she first catches sight of Harpagon (3.4.11). She means "Oh Frosine! What a fugly face." As harsh as that might sound, Mariane isn't totally cold-hearted. She's actually taken aback when Frosine tells her that Harpagon will probably die within a year of their marriage and the she'll be able to inherit his money. To this, Mariane replies, "[It] doesn't seem right that a person's happiness should involve hoping or waiting for someone to die" (3.4.9).
To be sure, she loves Cléante and wants to be with him. But unlike Cléante, she never indulges in the fantasy that Harpagon might die soon. Like Élise, Mariane is willing to do almost anything for love, but her approach is much softer than that of the hothead Cléante. Then again, she hasn't had to grow up under Harpagon's roof.
Mariane's Timeline