Jean Racine is the master of classical tragedy, best known for works like Phèdre and Andromaque. His plays are characterized by their psychological depth, economy of language, and their focus on the destructive power of passion. Unlike his contemporary Corneille, Racine's characters are often victims of their own emotions and fate. A favorite of Louis XIV, he was a key figure at the court of Versailles and a member of the Académie Française. His use of the alexandrine verse is considered the peak of French classical poetry, capturing the intense inner struggles of his tragic heroes[cite: 91].