Cleante is the brother of Elmire (and brother-in-law of Orgon), representing the height of reason and good sense. Throughout the play he attempts to counsel his brother-in-law against Tartuffe, but is inevitably ignored or even scolded. He eventually aids the rest of the family in coming together against the deceitful hypocrite.

Tartuffe - Moliere - Cleante monologue Act1 Sc5