Woe from Wit

Main Characters and Their Development

• Alexander Andreevich Chatsky - a young nobleman, intelligent and educated, returns to Moscow after long travels across Europe and experiences disillusionment with high society. His love for Sophia and misunderstanding of contemporary youth illuminate the main motives of his actions and conflicts.
• Sophia - a young, educated woman, the object of Chatsky's affection. Torn between her feelings for Chatsky and the allure of a secure life offered by Molchalin. Her hesitations and choices reflect the conflict between genuine emotions and external circumstances.
• Pavel Afanasyevich Famusov - an official and Sophia's father. Embodies the outdated views and prejudices of the upper classes. His conservatism and desire to maintain social status influence the plot and other characters.
• Alexey Stepanovich Molchalin - Famusov's subordinate and sycophant, seeks to marry Sophia advantageously. His hypocrisy and ambition for social advancement through marriage reveal the greed and moral standards of the era.