Antagonist

Character Role Analysis

Arkadina

Konstantin faces a fierce frenemy in his mother Arkadina. Far from a typical maternal presence, she's unsupportive and just plain mean to her son. She helps destroy his play and consequently Nina's attraction to him.

When Konstantin experiences some success as a writer, Arkadina says loudly that she's never read his stuff. What a woman! After Nina's final abandonment, left only with this dysfunctional relationship, it's no wonder Konstantin doesn't want to stick around.

Trigorin

Trigorin is Konstantin's artistic and romantic rival. Everything Konstantin wants—the attention of Arkadina and Nina, success as a writer—Trigorin has, and parades around the estate in that unassuming Trigorin way. The constant image of Trigorin's victories helps drive Konstantin over the edge.