Without a Dowry

Main Characters and Their Development

• Larisa Dmitrievna Ogudalova - the main character, a young woman without a dowry. She dreams of love and happiness but is forced to choose between several men, each of whom sees her only as a means to achieve their goals. Larisa undergoes numerous trials and disappointments, leading her to a tragic end.
• Yuli Kapitonovich Karandyshev - a minor official who courts Larisa and eventually becomes her fiancé. He is vain and jealous, eager to prove his worth and dignity, but his actions ultimately lead to tragedy.
• Sergey Sergeyevich Paratov - a wealthy and charming gentleman who was once in love with Larisa. He returns to town and wins her heart again, but his intentions are selfish, and he ultimately betrays her for a profitable marriage.
• Vasily Danilych Vozhevatov - a merchant and friend of Paratov, who also vies for Larisa. He is cynical and pragmatic, seeing Larisa merely as an object for a deal and lacking genuine feelings for her.
• Ivan Semyonovich Knurov - a wealthy merchant who is also interested in Larisa. He is willing to buy her like a commodity and offers to make her his mistress. His character embodies soulless capitalism and exploitation.