Pierre Corneille

Pierre Corneille (1606–1684) was a French playwright and poet and a central figure of 17th‑century French classical theatre. Born in Rouen, he initially trained in law before turning to writing for the stage. After early comedies, he achieved lasting fame with *Le Cid* (1637), whose success and controversy helped shape debates about dramatic rules and decorum. Corneille went on to write major tragedies including *Horace*, *Cinna*, and *Polyeucte*, noted for their moral conflict, political themes, and elevated rhetoric. He was elected to the Académie française in 1647 and later produced verse translations and religious works.