The Philistines

Main Characters and Their Development

• Vasily Vasilyevich Bessemenov — the head of the family, a bourgeois man with conservative views. He strives to maintain traditional values and order in the home but faces misunderstanding and resistance from his children.
• Akulina Ivanovna Bessemenova — Vasily Vasilyevich's wife, a submissive and compliant woman. She supports her husband, but her role in the family is limited to domestic duties.
• Pyotr Vasilyevich Bessemenov — Vasily Vasilyevich's son, a student. He seeks new ideas and changes, leading to conflicts with his father. His development is tied to finding his path and challenging old norms.
• Tatyana Vasilyevna Bessemenova — Vasily Vasilyevich's daughter, a young woman who dreams of personal freedom and happiness. She is also in conflict with her father due to his conservative views.
• Nil Stepanovich — Tatyana's fiancé, a worker. He represents a new type of person striving for change and progress. His relationships with Tatyana and her family reflect the clash of old and new worldviews.