Jean Baptiste Poquelin who is better known by his stage name Moliere was a 17th century French author known for his comedies. After abandoning a law career Moliere began acting, directing and writing plays in Paris and the surrounding area. The scathing satire in his plays made him several important enemies. Shakespeare gave his characters complexity while Moliere used simplicity to produce his memorable characters. Sganarelle, or, the Self-Deceived Husband was written in 1731. As with many of Moliere¿s plays this is a very humorous comedy.