Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Alceste
fictional character
Alceste, title character of Molière’s comedy Le Misanthrope (first performed 1666). Alceste’s disgust with the superficialities and deceits of his fellows, culminating in his withdrawal from society, provides the play’s mild dramatic conflict.
This article was most recently revised and updated by J.E. Luebering.
Discover how ordinary objects work, and expand your understanding of the familiar.
" height="20" alt="HEW Logo">
By clicking "Sign Up", you consent to the Britannica Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.