The Forest

Main Characters and Their Development

• Gurmyzhskaya Raisa Pavlovna — a wealthy widow who owns forest lands. She is a domineering and calculating woman who seeks to preserve and increase her wealth. Throughout the play, her character is revealed through her relationships with other characters, especially her niece Aksyusha and her lover Bulanov.
• Aksyusha — Gurmyzhskaya's niece, a young and naive girl. She sincerely loves Pyotr but is forced to obey her aunt's will. By the end of the play, Aksyusha finds the strength to stand up to Gurmyzhskaya and assert her right to happiness.
• Pyotr — a young man in love with Aksyusha. He is honest and noble, ready to fight for his love. His character develops from passive submission to circumstances to active resistance against injustice.
• Bulanov Alexey Sergeyevich — Gurmyzhskaya's lover, a young man who seeks to improve his position at the expense of the wealthy widow. He is cunning and self-serving, but by the end of the play, his plans fall apart.
• Neschastlivtsev Gennady Demyanovich — an actor, friend of Vosmibratov. He is a smart and insightful person who helps Pyotr and Aksyusha fight for their love. His character is revealed through his noble actions and witty remarks.
• Vosmibratov Arkady — an actor, friend of Neschastlivtsev. He is a good-natured and cheerful person who supports his friends in difficult times. His character develops through his loyalty and willingness to help.