Les liaisons dangereuses : a study in roles

This study is an analysis of the various roles adopted or assigned by Valmont and Mme de Merteuil, the protagonists of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Society by categorizing people defines the roles it expects them to play: Mme de Merteuil for example is generally regarded as a beautiful and respected woman; Valmont by the same judgment is a libertine. Both play their allotted roles whether or not they are in accordance with their true natures. It is only to each other that they reveal the series of roles which they conceive of themselves playing in the game or drama of life in which they and their victims perform.