Pierre Corneille

Born in Rouen in 1606, Pierre Corneille trained in law before turning to the stage. His early success came in comedy, but he became famous for tragedies and tragicomedies that gave French drama a new sense of grandeur and moral tension.

His breakthrough play, Le Cid (1637), made him one of the most talked-about writers of his time. He followed it with major works including Horace, Cinna, and Polyeucte, and is widely regarded as a founder of French classical tragedy.

Corneille wrote for decades, balancing public fame with changing critical tastes, and died in Paris in 1684. His plays are still admired for their forceful language, sharp conflicts of duty and desire, and unforgettable larger-than-life characters.