Act 1 of The Miser is one that introduces the play's protagonist, Harpagon, a wealthy miser who is obsessed with money. Harpagon's two children, Cléante and Élise, are at odds with their father due to his stinginess and controlling nature.
Cléante is in love with Mariane, a woman from a poor family, while Élise is being pursued by Valère, a young man who has been secretly serving as Harpagon's valet.
Lastly, In Act 1, we learn that Harpagon is planning to marry off his children to wealthy suitors, despite their own desires. He also suspects that his servant, La Flèche,