Characters
Andrey Prozorov
Andrey Prozorov (ahn-DRAY proh-ZOH-rof) is the son of a high-ranking Russian army officer and aspires to become a professor. His ambitions are derailed by his marriage to Natasha, which leads him into a life of gambling as a means of escape from his boorish wife, who takes a lover. Andrey is depicted as an ineffective man, unable to achieve his goals and trapped by his circumstances. He resigns himself to a monotonous life, burdened by financial troubles that force him to mortgage the family house, leaving him and his sisters at Natasha's mercy. Despite his shortcomings, Andrey clings to a sliver of hope for a better future for himself and his children, recognizing the stagnation surrounding him yet yearning for change.
Natasha Ivanovna Prozorov
Natasha (nah-TAH-shuh), also known as Natalya, is Andrey’s wife, characterized by her ill-bred and selfish nature. Initially looked down upon by the Prozorov sisters for her lack of refinement, Natasha gradually gains control over the household. She has an affair with Protopopov, a local official, while maneuvering to dominate the family home under the guise of concern for her children’s well-being. Her manipulations include plans to dismiss Anfisa, the faithful governess, and rearranging living spaces to suit her own needs, often at the expense of others' comfort. Natasha’s relentless pursuit of control ultimately leads to her replacing Andrey as the household authority, with Protopopov as her partner.
Masha
Masha (MAH-shuh), one of Andrey’s sisters, is married to Fyodor Kuligin. Initially impressed by her husband’s intellect, she later becomes disillusioned. Masha finds herself drawn to Alexandr Vershinin, with whom she falls in love despite his inability to leave his own family. Her affair with Vershinin provides an escape from her mundane and unfulfilling marriage, yet it leaves her grappling with the realities of her situation. Masha's complex emotions are further compounded by her husband's awkward attempts at support, which fail to resonate with her deeper sense of loss and yearning for meaning.
Fyodor Kuligin
Fyodor Kuligin (FYOH-dohr KOO-lih-gihn) is Masha’s husband, a high school teacher, and an assistant principal who is eager to conform and please. Despite his learned appearance and initial charm, he proves to be a disappointment to Masha, who becomes disenchanted with him. Kuligin's willingness to adapt his appearance and actions to please superiors highlights his submissive nature. He expresses satisfaction with his modest life, but his actions and attempts to comfort Masha reveal a deeper struggle with inadequacy and the desire to avoid conflict.
Olga Prozorov
Olga Prozorov (OHL-y-guh) is one of Andrey’s sisters who longs to return to Moscow, seeking fulfillment and escape from her current life. She works as a language teacher and eventually becomes the headmistress at the local high school. Despite her professional achievements, Olga is deeply unhappy and burdened by the responsibilities thrust upon her. Her yearning for a different life remains unmet, and she finds consolation only in providing care and support to those around her, including Anfisa, the old governess.
Irina Prozorov
Irina Prozorov (ihr-IHN-uh), the youngest of the Prozorov sisters, dreams of finding a meaningful life through work and escape from the provincial town. Her aspirations are shattered when Baron Tusenbach, with whom she shared hopes of a future, is killed in a duel by Captain Solyony. Irina's idealism and desire for a purposeful existence are contrasted with the harsh realities she faces, leaving her to reconcile her dreams with her circumstances.
Ivan Tchebutykin
Ivan Tchebutykin (iv-AHN cheh-BOOT-y-kihn), a long-time friend of the Prozorov family and an incompetent medical practitioner, is portrayed as a failure and an alcoholic. He is haunted by his...
(This entire section contains 1211 words.)
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past mistakes and the patients he could not save. Chebutykin lives in the basement of the house and is known for his philosophical pondering and tendency to disregard reality, as seen when he drops and breaks a clock that once belonged to the sisters' mother. His actions often serve as a catalyst for revealing underlying tensions, such as his blunt disclosure of Natasha's affair. Despite his flaws, Chebutykin offers candid advice to Andrey about his marriage, urging him to escape his current life.
Baron Nikolai Lvovich Tuzenbach
Baron Tusenbach (TOO-sehn-bahch), a German-descended army lieutenant, is in love with Irina Prozorov. Although he is proud of his noble heritage, he is also eager to embrace a future where work is valued. Tusenbach's enthusiasm for a life of labor aligns with Irina's ideals, and he looks forward to building a life with her. Tragically, this future is cut short when Captain Solyony kills him in a duel. Despite knowing the risk, Tusenbach remains optimistic about his place in the world, even contemplating his role in life beyond death.
Captain Vassily Solyony
Captain Vassily Solyony (vah-SIH-lihy soh-ly-ON-y) is a complex character, often abrasive and challenging social conventions with his eccentric behavior. Obsessed with Irina Prozorov, he is willing to eliminate any rival for her affections, ultimately killing Baron Tusenbach in a duel. Solyony's admiration for Lermontov, a poet known for dueling, reflects his own turbulent emotions and desire to assert his love for Irina at any cost, despite his awareness of his own roughness and regrets.
Alexandr Vershinin
Alexandr Vershinin (ahl-EHKS-andr vehr-SHIH-nihn), an artillery commander, is an idealist who believes in the gradual betterment of the world and humanity. He becomes romantically involved with Masha, bringing excitement and a sense of renewal to their otherwise dreary lives. Vershinin's optimism about life in the provincial town contrasts with Andrey's disillusionment. He often reflects on his family responsibilities, including a wife with a history of attempted suicides, yet he finds solace in his connection with Masha.
Protopopov
Protopopov (proh-toh-POH-pof), a local official, is Natasha’s lover and an instrumental figure in her takeover of the Prozorov household. His affair with Natasha is widely recognized, and his presence in the family dynamic signifies the shift in power and the decline of Andrey's influence.
Anfisa
Anfisa is the Prozorov family's old governess who has loyally served them for thirty years. Despite Natasha's attempts to dismiss her due to financial constraints, Anfisa's bond with the sisters ensures that she is not abandoned. Her future is secured when Olga, one of "her girls," arranges for her to live in a government apartment, a prospect that brings Anfisa genuine happiness.
Alexei Petrovich Fedotik
Alexei Petrovich Fedotik is a second lieutenant in the army, rarely seen on stage but known for his generosity. He is often seen gifting small tokens, such as a musical top or a toy, and capturing moments with his camera, which reflects his thoughtful yet understated presence in the narrative.
Ferapont
Ferapont is an elderly man working for the county board. He is characterized by his occasional confusion and hearing problems, yet he remains grounded and pragmatic. His tales of Moscow serve as a counterpoint to the Prozorov family’s idealization of the city, presenting a more whimsical and fantastical perspective. Ferapont's interactions with Andrey highlight the latter’s frustration and the shifting power dynamics in the Prozorov household.
Vladimir Karlovich Rode
Vladimir Karlovich Rode is associated with Alexei Petrovich Fedotik, known for his exuberant demeanor. He contributes to the light-hearted moments of the play, often seen teaching gym class at the high school, adding to the depiction of everyday life.
