Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (, ; 15 January 1622 (baptised) – 17 February 1673), known by his stage name Molière (,, ), was a French playwright, actor, and poet, widely regarded as one of the greatest 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 and having studied at the Collège de Clermont (now Lycée Louis-le-Grand), Molière was well suited to begin a life in the theatre. Thirteen years as an itinerant actor helped him polish his comedic abilities while he began writing, combining Commedia dell'arte elements with the more refined French comedy. Through the patronage of
Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (15 de enero de 1622 – 17 de febrero de 1673) fue un dramaturgo, actor y poeta francés, ampliamente considerado como uno de los mayores escritores en la lengua francesa y la literatura mundial. Sus obras existentes incluyen comedias, farsa, tragicomedia, comédie-ballet, y más. Sus obras han sido traducidas a todos los principales idiomas vivos y se realizan en la Comédie-Française más a menudo que las de cualquier otro dramaturgo hoy en día. Su influencia es tal que la lengua francesa es a menudo referida como el "lenguaje de Molière". Nacido en una familia próspera y habiendo estudiado en el Collège de Clermont (ahora Lycée Louis-le-Grand), Molière fue bien adaptado para comenzar una vida en el teatro. Trece años como actor itinerante le ayudó a escribir sus habilidades políticas, combinando los elementos de la comedia del francés.