Molière, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, was a French playwright, actor, and poet, widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the French language and world literature. His comedies satirized the affectations and follies of 17th-century French society, often drawing the ire of influential circles. His most famous works include "The Misanthrope," "Tartuffe," "The Miser," and "The Imaginary Invalid." Despite facing censorship and controversy, his plays have remained immensely popular and are still performed regularly around the world.