Pierre Corneille was a French playwright born on June 6, 1606, in Rouen, France. He is best known for his contributions to the development of French classical tragedy. His most famous works include Le Cid, Horace, and Cinna, which explore themes of honor, love, and conflict. Corneille's writing style emphasized strong characters and moral dilemmas, influencing many playwrights after him. He played a significant role in the French literary scene during the 17th century, alongside contemporaries like Molière and Racine. Corneille's legacy continues to be celebrated in theater and literature today.