It is dedicated to the duc de Longueville, who assisted Corneille when he was first starting to publish his plays.
Act I Rosidor learns that Clitandre is his rival and declares to Lysarque that he wishes to duel him.
Dorise was previously able to delay Rosidor and Caliste's marriage, but she continues to grow more and more jealous.
At the same time, Pymante attempts to lead Rosidor into a trap of his own making, thanks to a false declaration written by Géronte in the name of his master Clitandre.
Act II Pymante hides in a nearby cave wherein he removes his mask and vows to kill Rosidor, his rival.
Act IV Pymante attempts to force himself on Dorise, who in response stabs one of his eyes out with a hairpin.
The Prince learns that Clitandre has been falsely accused and Cléon urges him to save his friend before it is too late.
Act V The Prince arrives in time to confirm Clitandre's innocence and to ensure his release from prison.
The King consents to the marriage of Caliste and Rosidor, and Pymante is sent before the Counsel to be judged for his crimes.
[4][5] In 1660, thirty years after the plays initial publication, Pierre Corneille added a preface in which he commented several aspects of Clitandre.
Corneille recognizes that this play is of a different style than his other works, but he justifies this in saying that he took liberties in order to shock classic-style playwrights.