"Monsieur de Clèves" is a character from the novel "La Princesse de Clèves," written by Madame de La Fayette in the 17th century. He is portrayed as a nobleman who embodies the ideals of honor and virtue, often struggling with his emotions and societal expectations. His character is central to the themes of love, jealousy, and the complexities of court life in French society. The novel, set in the French court during the reign of Henry II, explores the inner conflicts of its characters, particularly through the lens of Madame de Clèves, who is caught between her duty to her husband and her feelings for another man. "Monsieur de Clèves" serves as a representation of the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a rigid social structure.