4. Natalya and her father both accused Lomov of telling a lie regardin...
Natalya's Character Traits and Likeability
Natalya, the protagonist of the play "The Proposal" by Anton Chekhov, is portrayed as a complex character with several personality traits. In the play, her behavior towards Lomov, her father's friend, reveals her selfish and manipulative nature.
1. Selfishness
Natalya's selfishness is evident in her behavior towards Lomov. Initially, when Lomov comes to her house, she accuses him of lying about the Oxen-Meadows. However, when she realizes that Lomov has come to propose to her, she quickly changes her attitude towards him. This shows that Natalya is more interested in her own benefit rather than being truthful.
2. Manipulation
Natalya is also shown to be manipulative in the play. She tries to control the situation by making Lomov propose to her, even though she does not have any genuine feelings for him. She also tries to manipulate her father by making him believe that Lomov is a suitable match for her.
3. Impulsive
Natalya is impulsive and quick to change her mind. Her behavior towards Lomov changes several times throughout the play, which shows that she is not sure about what she wants. This impulsiveness also leads to her making hasty decisions, such as agreeing to marry Lomov without giving it much thought.
4. Arrogance
Natalya is also shown to be arrogant and condescending towards Lomov. She belittles him and mocks him for his nervousness, which shows that she thinks herself superior to him.
Overall, Natalya's character is not very likeable due to her selfish and manipulative nature. She is more concerned with her own benefit than being truthful or considerate towards others. However, her character is also complex and multi-dimensional, which makes her an interesting character to analyze.