The Three Sisters: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Three Sisters" is a poignant exploration of unfulfilled aspirations and complex relationships, centered around the Prozorov family and their interactions with various characters in a small Russian town. The central figure, Andrey Prozorov, is portrayed as ineffective and disillusioned, a reflection of the struggles faced by those seeking purpose in life. His wife, Natasha, embodies rudeness and self-interest, complicating the family dynamic further by engaging in an affair.
The sisters—Olga, Masha, and Irina—each grapple with their own disappointments. Olga, the headmistress, yearns to return to Moscow, feeling trapped in her current circumstances. Masha, married to the uninspiring Fyodor Kuligin, finds herself in a turbulent affair with the unattainable Vershinin, who cannot commit to her. Meanwhile, Irina's dreams of escape are shattered by the tragic death of Baron Tusenbach, who hoped to marry her.
Supporting characters, such as the incompetent doctor Ivan Tchebutykin and the rival suitors for Irina's affection, further emphasize themes of ineffectiveness and longing. The interplay between these characters highlights a broader commentary on the human condition, illustrating the complexities of love, ambition, and the search for meaning.
The Three Sisters: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Anton Chekhov
First published: 1901 as Tri sestry (revised, 1904; English translation, 1920)
Genre: Play
Locale: Russia
Plot: Impressionistic realism
Time: Nineteenth century
Andrey Prozorov (ahn-DRAY proh-ZOH-rof), the son of a high-ranking Russian army officer. He studies to be a professor, but after his marriage he turns to gambling to forget his boorish wife, who takes a lover. He is an ineffective man who accomplishes nothing.
Natasha (nah-TAH-shuh), Andrey's ill-bred, rude, and selfish wife. She takes a local official, Protopopov, as her lover.
Masha (MAH-shuh), one of Andrey's sisters and the wife of Fyodor Kuligin. She once thought her husband clever, but she has been disillusioned. She falls in love with Vershinin, though he cannot leave his wife and children for her.
Fyodor Kuligin (FYOH-dohr KOO-lih-gihn), Masha's husband. He is an ineffective man who teaches in a high school.
Olga Prozorov (OHL-y-guh), one of Andrey's sisters. She wants desperately to return to Moscow. She teaches languages in the town's high school and becomes headmistress, but she is unhappy with her lot.
Irina Prozorov (ihr-IHN-uh), one of Andrey's sisters. Her hopes are dashed when Baron Tusenbach is killed by Captain Solyony in a duel, for she thought she could escape the little garrison town by marrying the Baron.
Ivan Tchebutykin (iv-AHN cheh-BOOT-y-kihn), a medical doctor and friend of the Prozorovs. He is an incompetent medical practitioner.
Baron Tusenbach (TOO-sehn-bahch), an army lieutenant in love with Irina Prozorov. He is killed in a duel by Captain Solyony, his rival for Irina's affections.
Captain Vassily Solyony (vah-SIH-lihy soh-ly-ON-y), Baron Tusenbach's rival for Irina Prozorov's love. He kills the Baron in a duel over the young woman.
Alexandr Vershinin (ahl-EHKS-andr vehr-SHIH-nihn), an artillery commander. He believes the world and people will get better and better. He falls in love with Masha but cannot leave his family for her.
Protopopov (proh-toh-POH-pof), a local official who becomes Natasha's lover.