Tartuffe: A master of deception and manipulation

Observer

02-03-2025

Tartuffe, the main character in Molière's 1664 French play, is a cunning hypocrite who pretends to be pious while secretly scheming for wealth and power. He deceives Orgon, the head of the household, by feigning virtue and humility, gaining his trust while attempting to usurp his fortune. Eventually, his manipulative nature is exposed, revealing him as a fraud and a symbol of religious hypocrisy.
The word Tartuffe has since entered the English language to describe a confidence trickster — someone who masks dishonesty with false morality.
I recently had the misfortune of knowing a Tartuffe. He was exceptionally skilled in deception — too good, in fact.
At first he appeared kind, generous and understanding, exuding charm and attentiveness. He made me feel special, boosting my confidence and offering unwavering support.
I trusted him, relied on him. Before I realised it, he had become an indispensable part of my life. But beneath this crafted persona was something sinister. He was not my friend — he was a fraudster, a manipulator, a predator who thrived on control. His goal was never to help but to exploit, targeting those who were generous, kind-hearted or emotionally vulnerable.
A skilled con artist does not rush. He embeds himself into your life, studying your vulnerabilities — your insecurities, struggles or need for support. He offers solutions, making himself appear irreplaceable. At first his generosity seems boundless. He helps with errands, provides small favours and listens when needed. He never asks for anything in return for the small favours — until he does. In addition, when he finally does, it seems only fair to repay his kindness. Generously.
One of a trickster's most dangerous tactics is isolation. He subtly undermines your relationships, planting seeds of doubt — "You know you can't trust him, right? But don't worry, you have me." He convinces you that anyone who questions him is lying. He publicly performs small acts of kindness, reinforcing his carefully constructed image.
Slowly, your circle of support shrinks. You withdraw from genuine friends, believing only he has your best interests at heart. By the time you recognise what's happening, you may feel entirely dependent on him.
A tartuffe is a master of deception. He constructs false narratives to manipulate your emotions. He may claim financial hardship or personal crises, making you believe that only you can help him.
It starts small — the mention of an unexpected expense, a minor favour. But they grow. You find yourself giving more and more, feeling guilty if you hesitate. He places you in situations where saying no feels impossible. After all, he has been so helpful — how could you refuse?
What you don't realise is that you are being conditioned. Each act of generosity strengthens his grip. You justify it by reminding yourself of all he's done for you. The cycle continues, deepening his deception.
Most confidence tricksters exhibit sociopathic tendencies. They lack conscience, empathy or genuine emotional attachment. To them, people are tools — stepping stones to financial gain and control. They feel no remorse when they manipulate or ruin their victims.
Their ability to mimic genuine emotions makes them especially dangerous. They can appear sad on cue, feign affection and display concern when necessary. They claim people have lied about them, insist they have done nothing wrong and always offer a well-rehearsed smile.
Their lies come effortlessly. But it's all an act. Once they have extracted everything they can from you — or more likely when they sense you're beginning to see through them — they discard you without hesitation, moving on to their next unsuspecting victim.
For those caught in a confidence trickster's web, the realisation is devastating. Victims feel guilt, shame, anger and betrayal. Many struggle to accept that someone they trusted so completely was deceiving them all along. Escaping a fraudster requires strength and, often, outside help. If you suspect manipulation:
- Cut ties completely. Do not engage, argue, or give them the chance to manipulate you further.
- Stop providing money or assistance, no matter how persuasive their excuses.
- Reach out to those who genuinely care about you.
Most importantly, remember — you are not to blame. These con artists are experts in deception, and anyone can fall victim. The best defence is awareness: recognising the signs before they take hold and ensuring that your kindness is never exploited.
The writer is a former Cambridge School Principal and an interview skills advisor