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81
Play • Fiction
Russia • Early 1900s
1901
Adult
18+ years
Three Sisters chronicles the lives of the Prozorov siblings—Olga, Masha, Irina, and their brother Andrei—who, after their father's death, struggle with unfulfilled dreams and the monotony of provincial Russian life, longing to return to Moscow while dealing with love, infidelity, societal changes, and personal revelations within a shifting family dynamic.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Emotional
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Chekhov’s Three Sisters is praised for its deep exploration of human aspirations and disillusionment. Reviewers commend its rich character development and introspective dialogue, though some critics note a slow pace and lack of dramatic action. The play’s nuanced portrayal of existential ennui resonates, despite its occasionally ponderous moments.
Readers who relish psychologically complex, character-driven stories with themes of unfulfilled dreams and existential yearning will enjoy Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters. Comparable to lovers of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina and Ibsen's A Doll's House, this play appeals to those intrigued by the intricacies of human emotions and societal pressures.
22,711 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Masha Prozorov
The second-oldest sister, Masha is introspective and musically talented, expressing dissatisfaction with her life and marriage which leads her to seek solace in temporary escapes.
Irina Prozorov
The youngest Prozorov sister, Irina is hopeful and eager to find love and meaning, often viewing work as a potential source of fulfillment despite experiencing frustration in her pursuits.
Andrey Prozorov
The brother of the Prozorov sisters, Andrey is studious and initially holds academic ambitions, but becomes overwhelmed by personal and financial challenges.
Fyodor Ilich Kulygin
Masha's husband, Kulygin is a cheerful and optimistic teacher who maintains a positive view of his marriage despite underlying tensions.
Natasha Ivanovna Prozorov
Originally shy and awkward, Natasha marries into the Prozorov family and undergoes a significant transformation as she asserts herself more forcefully within the household.
Aleksandr Ignatyevich Vershinin
An officer newly arrived in town, Vershinin often engages in philosophical discussions and forms personal connections with the Prozorov family.
Baron Nikolay Lvovich Tusenbach
A lieutenant and suitor to Irina, Tusenbach desires to abandon his military career for work he believes will be more meaningful, driven by a romantic idealism.
Vasili Vasilevich Solyony
An army captain with a troublesome social demeanor, Solyony is often inappropriate in his interactions and harbors unreciprocated feelings for Irina.
Ivan Romanych Chebutykin
An army doctor who sees himself as part of the Prozorov family, Chebutykin often reflects on his past career and relationships with a sense of detachment.
81
Play • Fiction
Russia • Early 1900s
1901
Adult
18+ years
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