At the heart of Molires extreme, comic farce, is the story of Henriette and Clitandre, who are in love. But to marry, they must overcome the attitude of Henriette's family. Her sensible father and uncle are in favour of the marriage, but unfortunately her father is under the thumb of his overbearing wife, Philaminte. Philaminte, supported by Henriette's aunt and sister, wishes her to marry Trissotin, a "scholar", a foppish wit imposter, who has these three women completely under his spell. For these three ladies are "learned".
