The classical stage is a locus of action and interaction conveyed through speech. The number of characters interacting on stage and the extent of that interaction are a significant feature of any playwright's dramaturgical practice, and in the case of Corneille - as in the case of most of his colleagues - dialogue, with or without a silent third party present on stage, largely predominates. While study has been made of his use of monologues (Cuénin-Lieber), trilogues and polylogues, at the other end of the spectrum, have received little attention.