GROSSMAN. A dark, nervous, lively man of Jewish type. Speaks very loud. THE FAT LADY: MARYA VASILYEVNA TOLBOUHINA. A very distinguished, rich, and kindly woman, acquainted with all the notable people of the last and present generations. Very stout. Speaks hurriedly, trying to be heard above every one else. Smokes. BARON KLINGEN (nicknamed KOKO). A graduate of Petersburg University. Gentleman of the Bedchamber, Attache to an Embassy. Is perfectly correct in his deportment, and therefore enjoys peace of mind and is quietly gay. TWO SILENT LADIES. SERGEY IVANITCH SAHATOF. About 50, an ex-Assistant Minister of State. An elegant gentleman, of wide European culture, engaged in nothing and interested in everything. His carriage is dignified and at times even severe. THEODORE IVANITCH. Personal attendant on Zvezdintsef, aged about 60. A man of some education and fond of information. Uses his pince-nez and pocket-handkerchief too much, unfolding the latter very slowly. Takes an interest in politics. Is kindly and sensible. GREGORY. A footman, about 28, handsome, profligate, envious, and insolent. JACOB. Butler, about 40, a bustling, kindly man, to whom the interests of his family in the village are all-important. SIMON. The butler's assistant, about 20, a healthy, fresh, peasant lad, fair, beardless as yet; calm and smiling. THE COACHMAN. A man of about 35, a dandy. Has moustaches but no beard. Rude and decided. A DISCHARGED MAN-COOK. About 45, dishevelled, unshaved, bloated, yellow and trembling. Dressed in a ragged, light summer-overcoat and dirty trousers. Speaks hoarsely, ejecting the words abruptly. THE SERVANTS' COOK. A talkative, dissatisfied woman of 30. THE DOORKEEPER. A retired soldier. TANYA (TATYANA MARKOVNA). LADY's-maid, 19, energetic, strong, merry, with quickly-changing moods. At moments, when strongly excited, she shrieks with joy. FIRST PEASANT. About 60. Has served as village Elder. Imagines that he knows how to treat gentlefolk, and likes to hear himself talk. SECOND PEASANT. About 45, head of a family. A man of few words. Rough and truthful. The father of Simon. THIRD PEASANT. About 70. Wears shoes of plaited bast. Is nervous, restless, hurried, and tries to cover his confusion by much talking. FIRST FOOTMAN (in attendance on the Countess). An old man, with old-fashioned manners, and proud of his place. SECOND FOOTMAN. Of enormous size, strong, and rude. A PORTER FROM A FASHIONABLE DRESSMAKER'S SHOP. A fresh-faced man in dark-blue long coat. Speaks firmly, emphatically, and clearly. The action takes place in Moscow, in Zvesdintsef's house. ACT I The entrance hall of a wealthy house in Moscow. There are three doors: the front door, the door of LEONID FYODORITCH'S study, and the door of VASILY LEONIDITCH'S room. A staircase leads up to the other rooms; behind it is another door leading to the servants' quarters. SCENE I