Through much of the play, he is in denial of his death and refuses to give up power. Berenger's first wife, Marguerite, along with the Doctor, tries to make Berenger face the reality of his impending death. Berenger's second wife, Marie, sympathetically attempts to keep Berenger from the pain of knowing his death is imminent.
For much of the play, he remains in denial about his impending death and refuses to surrender power. Berenger's first wife, Marguerite, along with the Doctor, strives to make Berenger acknowledge the reality of his approaching end. Berenger's second wife, Marie, tries to ease Berenger from the pain of knowing his death is imminent.