His greed shows itself, however, when Cleante steals his fathers money box, and ransoms it for Mariane's hand.  
Based on Plautus's Aulularia, it tells the story of a rich widower who meddles in his childrens affairs with an eye towards increasing his own wealth.  He chooses an old man for his daughter Elise's groom, because he requires no dowry, and chooses his son Cleante's beloved Mariane for himself.  His greed shows itself, however, when Cleante steals his fathers money box, and ransoms it for Mariane's hand.  This is, FTP, what comedy about the stingy Harpagon, written by Moliere.
Based on Plautus's Aulularia, it tells the story of a rich widower who meddles in his childrens affairs with an eye towards increasing his own wealth.  
The Miser or L'Avare