A year after the death of their father, the Prozorov sisters are reminded of their longing to return to Moscow during Irina's name-day celebration. Their father had been stationed in a provincial town, leaving behind a legacy and a desire in his children to return to the bustling city. Now, the sisters—Irina, Olga, and Masha—find themselves hoping their brother Andrey, who aspires to be a professor, will lead them back to the life they yearn for.

Gifts and Frustrations

The celebration brings various gifts and encounters to the sisters. An aging army doctor, Tchebutykin, presents Irina with a samovar, a token of his affection for their late mother. Meanwhile, Masha receives a redundant copy of a high school history book from her husband Kuligin, who is blissfully unaware of her lack of interest. This exchange sets a light-hearted yet discontented tone, further heightened by a petty disagreement between Tusenbach and Solyony over the value of work. Tusenbach, who has only known the regimented life of cadet school, and Irina, whose education focused on languages, both crave meaningful labor.

New Faces, Old Dreams

Vershinin, the new battery commander, pays a visit and sparks nostalgic conversations about Moscow. While the sisters express their dissatisfaction with their provincial life, Vershinin muses on the potential for a better future, dreaming of an earth transformed in centuries to come. His philosophical outlook, however, does little to soothe the sisters’ immediate yearnings for a more fulfilling life.

Romantic Entanglements

Tension bubbles beneath the surface as Natasha makes an appearance in a garish dress, prompting criticism and the usual teasing about her engagement. Unable to tolerate the jibes, Andrey proposes to her, despite the reservations of his sisters. Following their marriage, Andrey’s ambition wanes, and he becomes ensnared in gambling, while Natasha's true nature—selfish and ill-mannered—becomes apparent. As Natasha takes over household affairs, Irina and Olga resign themselves to their jobs, letting Natasha make changes as she sees fit.

Affairs and Aspirations

While Irina takes up telegraph work and Olga teaches, Masha finds herself entangled in an emotional affair with Vershinin, who remains tied to his troubled wife. Kuligin, Masha’s husband, remains obliviously optimistic about their marriage, choosing to ignore his wife’s infidelity. Meanwhile, Tusenbach contemplates leaving his military post to seek contentment through manual labor, inspired by Vershinin’s belief that human struggle can lead to progress for future generations.

Unfulfilled Desires

As tensions mount, Andrey seeks medical advice from Tchebutykin for his breathlessness, but the doctor, having forgotten his medical knowledge, offers no aid. Solyony's unrequited love for Irina leads him to vow that he will eliminate any rivals to his affection. In the midst of these personal turmoils, Natasha abruptly cancels a planned party, riding off with Protopopov, a local official, leaving Andrey to his books.

Chaos and Conflict

The town is soon ravaged by fire, and Olga generously aids the displaced, inviting soldiers to shelter in their home. Natasha, asserting her dominance, criticizes Olga and even suggests she vacate the premises. Meanwhile, Tchebutykin, regretting a medical mistake, spirals into a drunken stupor, expressing his despair by smashing a clock. The once harmonious household is now fraught with discord, with Masha abandoning the piano out of sheer frustration.

Decisions and Divisions

Irina, feeling adrift in her telegraph role, contemplates marriage with Tusenbach, despite his lack of aesthetic appeal, as it might be her ticket back to Moscow. Masha openly admits her love for Vershinin, acknowledging the impossibility of him leaving his family. Meanwhile, Andrey, feeling the weight of his decisions, confesses to his sisters that he mortgaged the home they all share, a misguided attempt...