In a dilapidated old mansion, the story of Harpagon -a crotchety old miser -and his family unfolds. Harpagon's daughter, Elise, is in love with Valere, a young man of noble parentage separated from his family and working as a servant in her father's house. Harpagon's son, Cleante, also is in love and has given his heart to Marianne, a poor but virtuous girl from the country. Cleante and Marianne decide to tell Harpagon of their engagement, but as they are on the verge of their disclosures, Harpagon reveals he has a couple of his own announcements. First, Harpagon has decided to remarry. His betrothed is a girl from the country named Marianne. Second, Harpagon has accepted a suitor for Elise's hand -a wealthy but elderly gentleman named Anselme. The children are flabbergasted by Harpagon's revelations and confusion reigns until fate intervenes to reunite family and lovers.