Character Sketch: The Proposal | English Class 10 PDF Download

Natalya

Natalaya, a young unmarried woman of twenty-five, resided in the same neighborhood as Lomov, a young unmarried man. She was not only an exceptional housekeeper but also possessed decent looks. Despite her father labeling her a lovesick cat, Natalaya was yearning for love. Lomov, on the other hand, claimed she was well-educated, though this aspect seemed questionable. Her natural disposition was quarrelsome and abusive, traits that became evident when she engaged in a bitter dispute with Lomov over a seemingly insignificant piece of land.

While Natalaya initially expressed indifference towards the meadows, stating they held little value for her, she could not tolerate unfairness. However, when she discovered that Lomov had come to propose to her, all thoughts of fairness vanished, and she began lamenting the lost opportunity. Urging her father to recall Lomov, she soon resumed quarreling with him, this time over their respective dogs. The dispute centered around the perceived superiority of each other's dog breeds.

Lomov

Lomov, a dubious landowner, is a prosperous unmarried man in his mid-thirties, plagued by various ailments. Nervousness triggers trembling, palpitations, and extreme agitation in him. Despite his search for an ideal match, he hasn't found one and, considering his age, reluctantly decides to propose to Natalya. However, lacking self-confidence, he struggles to initiate the proposal directly.

Quarrelsome by nature, Lomov unexpectedly diverts into a dispute about the ownership of the "Oxen Meadows," concealing his true intention of proposing. He appears comical, failing to grasp the importance of focusing on the romantic proposal rather than foolishly asserting his claim over the meadows. Childish, unintelligent, and stubborn, he engages in senseless arguments with the lady he sees as a potential spouse. Lomov's lack of discrimination between the significance of different situations is evident. His immaturity leads him to hurl abuses at the Chubukov family during heated arguments about the meadows and dogs, jeopardizing the prospect of marriage. In the end, his stubbornness and childish behavior nearly ruin the only chance for him to marry.

Chubukov

Chubukov, a wealthy landlord and a caring father, lived as a neighbor to Lomov. Despite being short-tempered and displaying a rash demeanor, Chubukov had a disagreement with Lomov regarding the ownership of the Oxen Meadows. His primary desire was to see his daughter, Natalya, married to Lomov, and he was willing to go to great lengths for her happiness.

As a shrewd businessman, Chubukov approached the matter of his daughter's marriage like any other deal, aiming for it to be financially advantageous. For him, emotions took a secondary role, and the practical aspects of the marriage arrangement were of utmost importance. He was determined to secure a lucrative and beneficial deal for his daughter's future.