Meeting The Characters

Chekhov shows versus tells us what each character's role is in the play.

Below are the character's names, and a quotation which shows what kind of people they are.

Lopahin (a.k.a Yermolay Alexeyevitch): "I'm a rich man, but for all my money, come to think a peasant I was, and a peasant I am." (64) Lopahin seems to come from a poor background. Although he is currently rich, money hasn't changed his peasant ways.

Dunyasha: "You're a spoilt soft creature Dunyasha. And dressed like a lady too, and your hair done up. That's not the thing. One must know one's place." (64) We can infer Dunyasha has been a maid for many years. She may sometimes "forget what her place is," and make comments or actions a maid isn't supposed to have.

Lyubov Andreyevna (a.k.a Madame Ranevsky): In the past, when Lopahin had been hit by his father, Lyubov had helped him and said: "don't cry little peasant, it will be well in time for your birthday." (64) . She seems to be a kind, easy going woman. Later in the text, her brother mentions she "flings away her money." (p 77) From both quotations we can infer Lyubov likes helping others and believes everything will be solved in the future.

Epihodov: "Every day some misfortune befalls me. I don't complain. I'm used to it, and I wear a smiling face."(64) Ironically, as Epihodov says this, he complains. He doesn't seem to be the luckiest guy around.

Firs: "(sternly to Dunyasha) Girl! Where's the cream?" (69) Although he's a valet, he acts as if he was rich as he gives orders to the maid.

Anya: "I haven't slept all the journey, I was so anxious and worried!" (66) She worries more than her mother and acts like an adult.

Charlotta Ivanovna: "If I let you kiss my hand, you'll be wanting to kiss my elbow, and then my shoulder." (74) Very pre-cautious with men.

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Varya: "Just the same as ever, like a nun" (66) Her family pressures her to marry Lopahin. When her sister mentions it to her, she responds: "It's like a dream (in another tone) You have a new brooch like a bee." (68) As we can see, Varya didn't give much importance to the marriage topic. She seemed more interested in her sister's brooch.

Gaev (a.k.a Leonid Andreyevitch): "Everyone loves you and respects you... but, uncle dear, you must be silent... simply be silent." (78) Anya advices her uncle to be more prudent. Apparently, he talks too much about things that are better kept silent.

Semyonov-Pishtchik: "I never lose hope [...] something else will turn up again, if not today, tomorrow." (75) This landowner seems to be a very positive, hopeful man.

Other characters mentioned throughout the first Act:

Yasha: Lyubov's valet

Pyotr Seregeyevitch (a.k.a Petya): Grisha's tutor before he died. Lyubov mentions he grew old and ugly.

Gaevs aunt: Lady Catherine-like

Efimyushka, Polya, Yevstigney and Karp: old servants

Lyubov's husband died six years ago, and her seven year old son drowned a month later.

Things that must be mentioned:

Cherry blossoms as symbol: Regardless of the harsh climate, the cherry blossoms are still blooming. They were there in Lyubovs childhood. "Oh, my orchard! After the dark gloomy autum, and the cold winter; you are young again, and full of hapiness, the heavenly angels have never left you..." ( 75, 76) They symbolize hope. Although Lyubov's going through a hard time, the cherry orchard finds a way to "be young again, full of happiness".

The bookcase has a similar effect on Gaev as the cherry orchard does on his sister.

The cherry orchard must be sold to pay debts. The orchard has managed to create a great impact on the reader. Although we've just read one act, it makes me anxious to think they have to sell the cherry orchard.

Jim-like: Dunyasha cries because she broke a saucer. Vayra comforts her saying it brings good luck.

The characters are constantly asking for God and Jesus' help, but they don't seem to make the business their own. They just wait around for help that's probably not coming.