Lomov - A Character Sketch




Introduction:
Lomov is a fictional character in Anton Chekhov's play "The Proposal." He is portrayed as a middle-aged landowner who visits his neighbor, Chubukov, to propose marriage to his daughter, Natalya.




Physical Appearance:
Lomov is described as a well-dressed, middle-aged man with a stout build. He wears formal attire, including a frock coat and a top hat. His appearance reflects his social status and desire to make a good impression.




Personality Traits:
Lomov exhibits several distinct personality traits throughout the play, which contribute to the comedic nature of the story.




1. Hypochondriac:
Lomov is a hypochondriac and constantly complains about his health. He frequently mentions his weak heart and various ailments, using them as excuses for his nervousness and indecisiveness. This trait adds a humorous element to his character as he exaggerates his physical condition.




2. Timidity and Indecisiveness:
Lomov is portrayed as a timid and indecisive character. He hesitates and stutters while trying to express his feelings to Natalya. His indecisiveness is evident when he cannot decide on a suitable breed of dog, which leads to a heated argument with Natalya. This aspect of his personality adds to the comedic misunderstandings and conflicts in the play.




3. Easily Flustered:
Lomov is easily flustered in awkward situations. When he arrives at Chubukov's house to propose, he becomes overwhelmed and loses his composure. He frequently interrupts himself, stumbles over his words, and becomes increasingly agitated. This trait adds to the comedic nature of the play as the audience witnesses his nervousness and the resulting misunderstandings.




4. Stubbornness:
Despite his timidity, Lomov can also display stubbornness. When he becomes engaged in a dispute with Natalya over the ownership of a meadow, he adamantly defends his position, refusing to back down. This stubbornness showcases Lomov's determination and adds a touch of irony to his character, considering his overall timid nature.




Conclusion:
Lomov's character in "The Proposal" embodies a mix of comedic traits, including hypochondria, timidity, indecisiveness, being easily flustered, and occasional stubbornness. These characteristics contribute to the humorous misunderstandings and conflicts that arise throughout the play, making Lomov a memorable and entertaining character.

Lomov is 35 years, tall but has weak heart and suffers from sleep sickness. he is more truthful than natalya or her father