Guide Mentor

Character Role Analysis

Chebutykin

We're not about to fight to the death over whether Chebutykin is a useful or encouraging mentor. His favorite phrase is "what difference does it make." However, he does now and again stand in as a sort of noncommittal uncle with advice, usually encouraging the advisee to do what makes them happy.

For example, Chebutykin tells Masha to not go to the boring teachers' picnic, and encourages Andrey to run out on the shrewish Natasha. Sure, he's telling them to avoid their problems, but hey, maybe that's what'd really help. At least this is better than any medical advice he could give: even though he's a doctor, he admits to knowing nothing and generally stands back.