Three Sisters characters

Appears from the start

The eldest Prozorov sister, a teacher who has taken on much of the family's practical burden since their father's death. Wearied by her profession and conscious of time passing, she tries to protect her sisters and preserve order in their provincial home.

Appears from the start

The middle Prozorov sister, married young to the local schoolteacher Kulygin. Intelligent and musically gifted, she is disappointed by her marriage and by the narrowness of provincial society.

Appears from the start

The youngest Prozorov sister, celebrating her name day as the play opens. She longs to return to Moscow and believes purposeful work will give her life direction and happiness.

Appears from the start

The sisters' brother, an educated young man whose family expects an academic future from him. He plays the violin, dreams of becoming a professor in Moscow, and is courting Natasha.

First appears in chapter 3

A local young woman invited to Irina's name-day gathering and romantically involved with Andrei. Self-conscious among the sophisticated Prozorov sisters, she arrives in a dress and sash they consider unfashionable.

First appears in chapter 2

The new commander of the local artillery battery, once acquainted with the Prozorovs' late father in Moscow. Thoughtful and talkative, he speculates about the better life future generations may build despite his own unhappy domestic circumstances.

First appears in chapter 2

Masha's husband and a teacher at the local school. Good-natured, conventional, and proud of his headmaster, he loves Masha but does not understand the depth of her dissatisfaction.

Appears from the start

A lieutenant in the battery and a frequent visitor to the Prozorov household. Born to wealth but committed to the dignity of labor, he has given up civilian privilege and openly loves Irina.

Appears from the start

An army captain attached to the battery. Socially awkward and prone to repeating other people's phrases, he turns abrupt or threatening when he feels mocked and also takes an interest in Irina.

Appears from the start

An elderly army doctor and long-standing friend of the Prozorov family. He treats the sisters with avuncular affection, though his drinking and bleak view of his own medical competence expose years of disappointment.

Appears from the start

An elderly nurse who has served the Prozorov family for decades. Frail but devoted, she remains part of the household and depends on its protection.

First appears in chapter 2

A young second lieutenant and regular guest of the Prozorovs, sociable and fond of taking photographs. He is part of the military circle that gives the household much of its company.

First appears in chapter 2

A second lieutenant who visits with the other officers. He shares Fedotik's cheerful place in the family's social circle and looks ahead to leaving military service for civilian work.

First appears in chapter 4

An elderly porter from the local council offices who brings documents to Andrei. His deafness makes conversation difficult, and his visits connect Andrei's domestic life with the modest municipal career he has begun.