"Minor" (main characters). "The Minor" - play D

The main characters of the comedy "The Minor"

Building character Prostakova, DI Fonvizin conveys the complexity and inconsistency of human nature. The playwright seeks to render "a service to humanity" by showing him what is the nature of a person, even insignificant, evil, enjoying his right to offend other people. Hating slavery, despising serf-owners, D.I.

Prostakova is a rude, despotic and at the same time cowardly, greedy and mean-spirited nature, representing the brightest type of Russian landowner, at the same time revealed as an individual character - the cunning and cruel sister of Skotinina, a power-hungry, calculating wife tyrannizing her husband, a mother who loves without mind of his Mitrofanushka. And this individual characteristic makes it possible to show all the terrible force of serfdom disfiguring a person. All the great, human and sacred feelings of Prostakova are distorted. That is why even love for her son - Prostakova's strongest passion - is incapable of ennobling her feelings, for it manifests itself in base, animal forms. Her motherly love is devoid of human beauty and spirituality.

The denouement to which DI Fonvizin's comedy leads was conditional. Actions Pravdina, a government official who carried out the will of the "higher power" was not confirmed by the Russian reality of that time. They reflected only the moods and aspirations of a certain part of the enlightened nobility and therefore were perceived as advice to the government on a possible way of regulating relations between landowners and peasants. Because of this, the image of Pravdin in the comedy was not real, but conditional, ideal.

The image is more vitality Starodum. But he is also a rare phenomenon in the noble environment, judging by the relation of Pravdin, Milon, Sophia. They see him not as an ordinary nobleman, but as a person with special “rules”. And indeed it is. The image of Starodum is associated in the comedy with the expression of the ideas of that part of the progressive nobility that was in opposition to the reign of Catherine and condemned her actions. Outwardly, Starodum's dialogues with positive characters were based on the discussion of problems of morality and education, but on the issues raised in them and coverage of various aspects of public life, they were broader and contained criticism of the depravity of the modern court ("crowd of stingy flatterers"), condemnation of the monarch, whose soul is not always "great", "to take the path of truth and never turn away from her. " The indignation was caused by the abuse of serfdom ("it is illegal to oppress one's own kind"), the first estate forgotten its duties.

Although Starodum and Pravdin could not realize their ideals in public practice, their judgments, taken together, made the comedy ideologically consonant with political tragedy. This was the new thing that introduced the playwright through the images of Starodum and Pravdin into the structure of "The Minor". The comedy was communicated with a socio-political focus.

The immortal comedy by Denis Fonvizin "The Minor" is an outstanding work of Russian literature of the 18th century. Bold satire and truthfully described reality are the main ingredients of this writer 's mastery. Centuries later, every now and then in modern society, heated debates surface about the main character of the play, Mitrofanushka. Who is he: a victim of a wrong upbringing or a vivid example of the moral decay of society?

The comedy "The Brigadier" written by Fonvizin, which had an overwhelming success in St. Petersburg, became the basis of one of the world's greatest literary monuments. After its publication, the writer did not return to drama for more than ten years, more and more devoting himself to state issues and tasks. However, the idea of ​​creating a new book excited the author's imagination. Let us not hide the fact that, according to scientists, the first article related to "The Little Man" was started back in the 1770s, long before it was published.

After a trip to France in 1778. the playwright had an exact plan for writing a future work. An interesting fact - initially Mitrofanushka was Ivanushka, which by itself spoke of the similarity of the two comedies (Ivan was a character in "Brigadier"). In 1781 the play was completed. Of course, staging of this type meant covering one of the most problematic issues of the noble society of that time. However, despite the risk, Fonvizin became the direct "instigator" of the literary revolution. The premiere was postponed due to the empress's dislike of any kind of satire, but it nevertheless took place on September 24, 1782.

Genre of the work

COMEDY is a kind of drama in which the moment of an effective conflict is specifically resolved. It has a number of features:

1. does not entail the death of one representative of the warring parties;
2. aimed at "non-bearing" goals;
3. the narration is lively and vivid.

Also in the work of Fonvizin, a satirical orientation is obvious. This means that the author set himself the task of making fun of social vices. This is an attempt to disguise life's problems under the guise of a smile.

"The Minor" is a work built according to the laws of classicism. One storyline, one place of action, and all events take place during the day. However, this concept is consistent with realism, as indicated by individual objects and places of action. In addition, the characters are very much reminiscent of real landowners from the provinces, ridiculed and condemned by the playwright. Fonvizin added something new to classicism - a merciless and sharp humor.

What is the work about?

The plot of Denis Fonvizin's comedy "The Minor" revolves around a family of landowners, which is completely mired in immorality and tyranny. Children became like rude and narrow-minded parents, from which their concept of morality suffered. Sixteen-year-old Mitrofanushka is struggling to complete his studies, but he lacks the desire and ability. The mother looks at it carelessly, she does not care whether her son will develop. She prefers that everything remains as it is, any progress is alien to her.

The Prostakovs "sheltered" a distant relative - the orphan Sophia, who differs from the whole family not only in her outlook on life, but also in her good manners. Sophia is the heiress of a large estate, which Mitrofanushka's uncle, Skotinin, who is a great hunter, also "looks at". Marriage is the only available way to take possession of Sophia's household, so the relatives around her are trying to persuade her to a profitable marriage.

Starodum - Sophia's uncle, sends a letter to his niece. Prostakova is terribly unhappy with such a "trick" of a relative, who was considered dead in Siberia. The deceit and arrogance inherent in her nature is manifested in the accusation of a “deceitful” letter, allegedly “amorous”. Illiterate landowners will soon find out the true content of the message, having resorted to the help of the guest Pravdin. He reveals to the whole family the truth about the Siberian inheritance left, which gives as much as ten thousand annual income.

It was then that Prostakova's idea matures - to marry Sophia for Mitrofanushka in order to appropriate the inheritance for herself. However, officer Milon "bursts into" her plans, walking through the village with soldiers. He met with an old friend Pravdin, who, as it turned out, is a member of the governor's board. His plans include monitoring the landlords who mistreat their people.

Milon talks about his long-standing love for a sweet person who was transported to an unknown place due to the death of a relative. Suddenly he meets Sophia - she is that very girl. The heroine talks about a future marriage with an undersized Mitrofanushka, from which the groom "flashes" like a spark, but then gradually "weakens" with a detailed story about the "narrowed".

Uncle Sophia has arrived. Having met Milo, he accepts Sophia's choice, while inquiring about the "correctness" of her decision. At the same time, the estate of the Prostakovs was transferred to state custody because of the cruel treatment of the peasants. Looking for support, the mother hugs Mitrofanushka. But the Son did not intend to be courteous and polite, he is rude, which makes the venerable matron faint. When she wakes up, she laments: "I have died completely." And Starodum, pointing at her, says "Here are worthy fruits of evil!"

The main characters and their characteristics

Pravdin, Sophia, Starodum and Milon are representatives of the so-called "new" time, the era of the Enlightenment. The moral components of their souls are nothing more than kindness, love, craving for knowledge and compassion. The Prostakovs, Skotinin and Mitrofan are representatives of the "old" nobility, where the cult of material well-being, rudeness and ignorance flourish.

• The undersized Mitrofan is a young man whose ignorance, stupidity and inability to adequately analyze the situation do not allow him to become an active and reasonable representative of the noble community. “I don’t want to study, but I want to get married” is a life motto that fully reflects the character of a young man who does not take anything seriously.
• Sophia is an educated, kind girl who becomes a black sheep in the society of envious and greedy people.
• Prostakova is a cunning, disorderly, rude woman with many flaws and a lack of love and respect for all living things, except for her beloved son Mitrofanushka. The upbringing of Prostakova is only a confirmation of the persistence of conservatism, which does not allow the development of the Russian nobility.
• Starodum brings up "his own blood" by a different method - Sophia for him is no longer a small child, but a formed member of society. He gives the girl the freedom of choice, thereby teaching her the correct foundations of life. In it, Fonvizin depicts the type of personality that has gone through all the “ups and downs”, thus becoming not only a “worthy parent”, but also an undoubted example for the future generation.
• Skotinin - just like everyone else, is an example of a “speaking surname”. A person whose inner being is more like some rough, uncouth cattle than a well-bred person.

Theme of the work

• The upbringing of the "new" nobility is the main theme of the comedy. The "undersized" is a kind of allusion to the "disappearing" moral principles in people who are afraid of transformations. The landowners bring up their offspring in the old fashioned way, not paying due attention to their education. But those who were not taught, but only pampered or intimidated, will not be able to take care of either the family or Russia.
• Family theme. The family is a social institution on which the development of the individual depends. Despite Prostakova's rudeness and disrespect towards all residents, she cherishes her beloved son, who does not in the least appreciate her care or her love. This behavior is a typical example of ingratitude, which is a consequence of pampering and parental adoration. The landowner does not understand that her son sees her treatment of other people and repeats it. So, the weather in the house determines the character of the young man and his shortcomings. Fonvizin emphasizes the importance of maintaining warmth, tenderness and respect in the family in relation to all its members. Only then will children be reverent and parents worthy of reverence.
• Freedom of choice theme. The "new" stage is Starodum's relationship with Sophia. Starodum gives her freedom of choice, without limiting her by her beliefs, which can affect her outlook, thereby bringing up in her the ideal of a noble future.

Main problems

• The main problem of the work is the consequences of improper upbringing. The Prostakov family is a family tree that goes back to the distant past of the nobility. This is what the landowners boast about, not realizing that the glory of their ancestors does not add dignity to them. But class pride clouded their minds, they do not want to move forward and achieve new achievements, they think that everything will always be the same. That is why they do not realize the need for education, in their world enslaved by stereotypes it really is not needed. Mitrofanushka will also sit all her life in the village and live off the labor of her serfs.
• Serfdom problem. The moral and intellectual decay of the nobility under serfdom is an absolutely logical result of the unjust policy of the tsar. The landlords are completely lazy, they don't have to work to support themselves. The managers and peasants will do everything for them. With such a social structure, the nobles have no incentive to work and get an education.
• The problem of greed. The thirst for material well-being blocks access to morality. Simpletons are fixated on money and power, they don't care if their child is happy, for them happiness is synonymous with wealth.
• The problem of ignorance. Stupidity deprives the heroes of spirituality, their world is too limited and tied to the material side of life. They are not interested in anything other than primitive physical pleasures, because they know nothing else at all. Fonvizin saw the true "human form" only in the person who was brought up by literate people, and not half-educated sextons.

Comedy idea

Fonvizin was a person, therefore he did not accept rudeness, ignorance and cruelty. He professed the belief that a person is born with a "blank slate", therefore only upbringing and education can make him a moral, virtuous and intelligent citizen who will benefit the fatherland. Thus, the glorification of the ideals of humanism is the main idea of ​​the "Minor". A young man who obeys the call of goodness, intelligence and justice is a true nobleman! If he is brought up in the spirit of Prostakova, then he will never go beyond the narrow framework of his limitations and will not understand the beauty and versatility of the world in which he lives. He will not be able to work for the good of society and will not leave anything significant behind him.

At the end of the comedy, the author speaks of the triumph of "retribution": Prostakova loses the estate and the respect of her own son, brought up in accordance with her spiritual and physical ideals. This is the price for wrong upbringing and ignorance.

What does it teach?

Denis Fonvizin's comedy "The Minor", first of all, teaches respect for neighbors. The sixteen-year-old boy Mitrofanushka did not take care of either his mother or his uncle at all, he took it for granted: “Why, uncle, have you overeating, uncle? Yes, I don’t know why you deigned to attack me ”. The natural result of harsh treatment in the home is the ending, where the son pushes the loving mother away.

The lessons of the comedy "The Minor" do not end there. Not so much respect as ignorance shows people in the position they are carefully trying to hide. Stupidity and ignorance hover in comedy like a bird over a nest, they envelop the village, thereby not letting the inhabitants out of their own shackles. The author severely punishes the Prostakovs for their limitations, taking away their property and the very opportunity to continue their idle lifestyle. Thus, everyone needs to learn, because even the most stable position in society is easy to lose, being an uneducated person.

Interesting? Keep it on your wall!

Fonvizin's comedy "The Minor" was written in the best traditions of Russian classicism. In accordance with the classic canons, the characters in the work are clearly divided into positive and negative, and their names and surnames capaciously characterize and reveal the main features of the characters. However, in contrast to the traditional images of classicistic plays, the heroes of "The Minor" are devoid of stereotypes, which is what attracts modern readers and viewers.

Positive actors include Pravdin, Sophia, Starodum and Milon... Each of them supports the ideas of the Enlightenment, considering virtue, honesty, love for the motherland, high morality and education as the main human values. Their complete opposite is depicted as negative characters - Prostakovs, Skotinin and Mitrofan... They are representatives of the "old" nobility, which with all its might is grasping at the outdated ideas of serfdom and feudal system. Their main values ​​are money, position in the social hierarchy and physical strength.

In Fonvizin's play "The Minor", the main characters are divided into peculiar dual pairs, in which the author depicts people with similar social roles, but depicting them in mirror distortion. So, in addition to a couple of "children" - Sophia and Mitrofan, one can single out "educators" - Starodum and Prostakov, "suitors" - Milon and Skotinin, as well as "owners" - Prostakov and Pravdin.

Mitrofan- an undergrowth and the main character of the comedy - a spoiled stupid youth of sixteen, for whom everything was always done by his mother, nanny or servants. Having taken over from his mother a love of money, rudeness and disrespect for relatives (Prostakova is ready to deceive her brother, just to settle a marriage that is profitable for her), and from his father complete weakness, he behaves like a small child - he does not want to study, while he finds marriage fun fun. The complete opposite of Mitrofan is Sophia. This is an educated, intelligent and serious girl with a difficult fate. Having lost her parents at an early age and living in the care of the Prostakovs, Sophia does not adopt their values, but, in fact, becomes a "black sheep" in their society (Prostakova is even outraged that the girl can read).

Prostakova appears to readers on the one hand as an uneducated, cunning woman who is ready for almost anything for profit, and on the other, as a practical housewife and loving mother, for whom the happiness and carefree future of her son is above all. Prostakova brought up Mitrofan the way she was brought up, therefore she could convey and show by her own example outdated, long-exhausted ideas and values.

Have Starodum a completely different approach to upbringing - he does not treat Sophia as a small child, talking with her on an equal footing, instructing her and advising her based on his own experience. In the matter of marriage, a man does not undertake to finally decide for a girl, since he does not know if her heart is free. In the image of Starodum, Fonvizin portrays his ideal parent and educator - an authoritative strong personality who herself has gone a worthy path. However, analyzing the character system of the "Minor" from the point of view of the modern reader, it is worth noting that the image of Starodum as an educator is also not ideal. All the time while he was absent, Sophia was deprived of parental care and left to herself. The fact that a girl learned to read appreciates morality and virtue, rather, the merit of her parents, who instilled this in her at a young age.

In general, the topic of kinship is important for both the positive characters of the play "The Little Growth" and the negative ones. Sophia- the daughter of worthy people, Milon- the son of a good friend Starodum. Prostakova, however, received this surname only after marriage, in fact, she is Skotinina. Brother and sister are very similar, they are both driven by greed and cunning, they are not educated and cruel. Mitrofan is depicted as a real son of his parents and a pupil of his uncle, who inherited all their negative traits, including love for pigs.

Characters whose relationship is not mentioned in the play - Prostakov and Pravdin... Prostakov is fundamentally different from his wife; in comparison with the active and active Prostakova, he looks weak-willed and passive. In a situation where he has to show himself as the owner of the village, the man is lost against the background of his wife. This leads to the fact that the more active Pravdin, who was able to pacify Prostakov, becomes the owner of the inheritance. In addition, Prostakov and Pravdin act as some kind of "auditors" of what is happening. Pravdin is the voice of the law, while Prostakov is the opinion of a simple (remember the “speaking” names of the play) people who do not like how the “old” nobility in the person of his wife and brother-in-law behaves, but is afraid of their anger, therefore he only speaks aside and does not agreeing.

The last couple of characters are Skotinin and Milon... Men represent old and new ideas about marriage and family life. Milon has known Sophia since childhood, they love each other, and therefore their relationship is based on mutual respect and friendship. Skotinin does not even try to get to know the girl better, he only cares about his dowry, while he is not even going to equip her with good conditions after marriage.

In addition to the main characters, there are minor characters in the play - teachers and educators of Mitrofan the ignoramus. Characteristics of the heroes of the second plan - Eremeevna, Tsyfirkina, Kuteikina and Vralman- is related to their social role in the play. The nanny is an example of a serf who loyally serves his mistress all his life, enduring beatings and injustice. On the example of the images of teachers, the author reveals all the problems of education in Russia in the 18th century, when children are taught by retired military men who did not graduate from seminary or even grooms.

For the 18th century, Fonvizin's innovation consisted in the fact that the author portrayed the characters of the "Minor" without the excessive pathos and stereotypes inherent in many works of classicism. Each comedy hero is undoubtedly a composite image, but created not according to a ready-made "stencil", but possessing its own individual features. That is why the characters in the work "The Minor", even today, remain the brightest images of Russian literature.

Product test

Classicism is a literary movement that developed in the eighteenth century. A striking example of it is the comedy "Minor". The characters in this work are the topic of the article.

Problematic

What is the story of the comedy "Minor"? The characters are typical representatives of social strata in Russia in the eighteenth century. Among them are statesmen, nobles, servants, serfs, and even self-appointed teachers. The social theme in the comedy "The Minor" is touched upon. The characters are Mitrofanushka and his mother. Mrs. Prostakova ruled over everyone. She doesn't consider anyone, not even her husband. In terms of its problematics, the works "The Minor" are straightforward. The characters in the comedy are either negative or positive. There are no complex contradictory images.

The work also touches on social and political problems. Even today, more than two centuries later, it does not lose its relevance. The characters in Fonvizin's comedy "The Minor" utter phrases that literally scattered into quotes. The names of the heroes of this dramatic work have become common nouns.

History of creation

It is worth a few words to talk about how the work was created before describing the characters. Fonvizin wrote the "Minor" in 1778. By that time, the writer had already visited France. He spent more than a year in Paris, where he studied law, philosophy, got acquainted with the social life of the country, which gave the world such names as Voltaire, Diderot, Rousseau. Consequently, the views of the Russian playwright have changed somewhat. He realized the backwardness of the Russian landlord class. Therefore, the writer considered it necessary to create a work that would ridicule the vices of his contemporaries.

Fonvizin worked on the comedy for over three years. In the early eighties, the premiere of the comedy "The Minor" took place in one of the capital's theaters.

List of actors

1. Prostakova.
2. Prostakov.
3. Mitrofanushka.
4. Sophia.
5. Milon.
6. Pravdin.
7. Starodum.
8. Skotinin.
9. Kuteikin.
10. Tsiferkin.
11. Vralman.
12. Trishka.

Sophia, Mitrofanushka, Prostakova are the main characters. Undergrowth is a term for a young nobleman who has not received an education. He, as you know, in the comedy is Mitrofan - one of the main characters. But other characters in the comedy cannot be called secondary. Each of them plays a specific role in the plot. The works, like other works of the era of classicism, reflect the events taking place during one day. The characters in the comedy "The Minor" are endowed with names. And this is another typical feature of the works of classicism.

Plot

Fonvizin's comedy tells the story of cruel and stupid landowners who are opposed by educated aristocrats. In the center of the plot is the story of an orphan girl who suddenly turns out to be the heiress of a great fortune. in comedy they try to take possession of her dowry by forcibly marrying her. Positive ones come to the rescue, ridding them of treacherous relatives.

In the house of the Prostakovs

A more detailed characterization of the characters in "Minor" is presented below. But, as already mentioned, Mrs. Prostakova is distinguished by a difficult disposition. The reader is convinced of this from the very first pages. The comedy begins with a scene in which the mother of Mitrofanushka, in anger, attacks the serf Trishka for having sewed a caftan for her beloved son, which is too small for him. This and subsequent events characterize Prostakova as a person prone to tyranny and unexpected outbursts of rage.

Sophia lives in the Prostakovs' house. Her father is dead. Recently she lived in Moscow with her mother. But several months have passed since she became a total orphan. Prostakova took her to her.

Rich heiress

The brother of Prostakova Skotinin appears on the stage. Characteristics of the characters in the comedy "The Minor" - a description of the characters, which can be divided into two groups. The first includes the noble, honest, and educated. The second is the ignorant and rude. Skotinin should be attributed to the latter. This man expresses a desire to marry Sophia. But he wants to connect his life with this girl not because he likes her. The thing is that he is a great pig hunter, as his surname speaks volumes. And Sophia inherited several villages, on the farms of which these animals live in great abundance.

Meanwhile, Prostakova learns exciting news: Sophia's uncle is alive. Mitrofan's mother is angry. After all, she believed that Starodum had long been gone. It turned out he was alive. Moreover, he is going to make his niece the heiress of the fortune he made in Siberia. Prostakova accuses Sophia of hiding news from her about a rich relative. But suddenly a brilliant idea comes to her mind. She decides to marry Sophia for her son.

Justice has triumphed

The village is visited by the officer Milon, whom Sophia had known back in Moscow. They love each other, but due to life circumstances they had to part. Milon, having learned about Sophia's engagement, is at first tormented by jealousy, but later he learns about what Mitrofan is, and calms down somewhat.

Prostakova loves her son very much. She hires teachers for him, but at the same time he had not even learned to read and write by the age of sixteen. The boy continually complains to his mother that the teaching makes him sad. To which Prostakova consoles her son, promising to marry him soon.

The appearance of Starodum

Finally, Uncle Sophia arrives in the village. Starodum tells the story of his life about how he was forced to leave government service, went to Siberia, and then decided to return from his native land. Starodum meets with Sophia and promises to save her from unpleasant relatives and to marry a worthy person, who turns out to be her beloved Milon.

Description of the actors

The undersized, that is, Mitrofanushka, studies, observing the decree of the king, but does so with great reluctance. The characteristic features of this hero are stupidity, ignorance, laziness. Besides, he is cruel. Mitrofanushka does not respect her father, mocks her teachers. He takes advantage of the fact that his mother selflessly loves him.

Sophia gives a good description to her failed groom. The girl claims that, although Mitrofanushka was only sixteen years old, he reached the peak of his perfection and will not develop further. These characters from Fonvizin's comedy are rather unpleasant. It combines such traits as servility and a penchant for tyranny.

At the beginning of the work, Mitrofanushka appears before the readers in the role of a spoiled tough man. But later, when his mother fails to organize his wedding with a rich relative, he radically changes his behavior, humbly apologizes to Sophia, and shows humility towards Starodum. Mitrofanushka is a representative of the world of the Prostakov-Skotinins, people deprived of all concepts of morality. The undersized symbolizes the degradation of the Russian nobility, the reason for which lies in the wrong upbringing and lack of education.

The surname Prostakova symbolizes ignorance and ignorance. The main feature of this heroine is blind love for her son. At the end of the work, the mother of Mitrofanushka sinks to the point that she begins to use assault on Skotinin. Prostakova is a combination of impudence, hatred, anger and cowardice. By creating this literary character, the author wanted to show the reader what the lack of education leads to. According to Fonvizin, it is precisely ignorance that is the cause of many human vices.

Sophia

Prostakova's niece is a representative of a noble family. But, unlike her relatives, she is educated, has a concept of honor. Sophia laughs at Mitrofanushka and his mother. She despises them. Characteristic features of the heroine are kindness, mockery, nobility.

Other positive characters

Starodum is an educated man of advanced age with extensive life experience. The main features of this hero are honesty, wisdom, kindness and respect for other people. This character is contrasted with Prostakova. Both of them wish well to their pupils. But their approach to education is completely different. If Prostakova sees in her son a small child who requires constant care and indulges him in everything, then Starodum considers Sophia a formed personality. He takes care of his niece, choosing a worthy man for her husband. A few words should be said about this character.

Milon

The characteristic features of this hero are sincerity, nobility, discretion. Even in difficult situations, he does not lose his sanity. Hearing about Sophia's engagement, he introduces Mitrofan as an educated and worthy person. And only later his opinion about the opponent changes. It is this hero who, in one of the last actions, is trying to reconcile Prostakova with his brother, reminding them that they are close people.

One of the main positive characters in the play. She is an orphaned niece of Starodum. In his absence, the estate is run by the Prostakovs. They look after Sophia and at the same time steal from her. Having learned that the girl has a rich inheritance, they begin to fight for her hand and heart. However, the girl has a lover named Milon, to whom she remains faithful.

One of the main characters and the driving force in the play. She is the mother of Mitrofanushka and the sister of Taras Skotinin. Prostakova participates in almost all the events of the play, since the action takes place in the house where she is the mistress. By status, she is a noblewoman, has serfs and is a typical example of a Russian landowner of the middle of the 18th century.

The son of the landowners Prostakovs and one of the main negative characters of the comedy. As a minor teenager, he is a prominent representative of the noble youth and one of the many "ignoramuses" who inhabited Russia in the 18th century. By nature, he is rude and cruel, does not want to study or serve, does not value his father and, using his mother's boundless love, manipulates her as he wishes.

One of the main characters in the comedy, Sophia's uncle. His surname indicates that he is a man of the "old" era, that is, the era of Peter I. His role in the work is very important, especially his speech and instructions. Starodum's father served under Peter the Great and always told his son that he needed to remain human at any time and in any situation.

One of the characters in the comedy, the brother of Mrs. Prostakova. This surname was not chosen by the author by chance. Taras loves and breeds pigs. Household animals are the character's only interest. Having learned that Starodum's pupil, Sophia, is a wealthy heiress, he tries to win her favor and marry her.

One of the secondary characters in the play. The character's surname was not chosen by chance. Pravdin is an honest and noble official, called upon to understand the deeds of the Prostakov-Skotinins. He serves as a bureaucrat in the governorship created by Catherine II.

One of the characters in the comedy, Sophia's fiancé, a young man of great dignity, an officer with a valiant character. Milon is a modest and not arrogant person. Sophia and Starodum really like him. Thanks to him, Sophia manages to avoid marriage with the undersized son of Mrs. Prostakova and courting by Skotinin.

One of the secondary characters in the play. She is Mitrofan's nanny and wet nurse. Using her image as an example, the author tries to show how serfdom perverted the servants, how it disfigured and humiliated them. Despite her inherent good human qualities, slavish humiliation prevails.

One of the characters in the comedy, Mitrofan's tutor and the highest paid worker in the Prostakovs' house. Adam Adamich Vralman was hired as a teacher of the French language and other sciences. In fact, he is a former coachman of Starodum, and not a teacher at all.