Chamfort, Sébastien Roch Nicolas (1741-1794)

French writer and moralist. His comedies, ballets, and critical writings, as well as his brilliant conversation, attracted a wide circle of admirers of every class. He is now best remembered for his Maximes, caractères et anecdotes (published posthumously).

Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette favoured his writing, but he was keenly opposed to the royalist party. Because of this stance he became suspect during the Revolution, and committed suicide.

His works include the comedies La Jeune Indienne/The Young Indian Woman and Le Marchand de Smyrne/The Merchant of Smyrna; a tragedy, Mustapha et Zéangir; and books of criticism, including works on Molière and La Fontaine.