One memorable character is Olga in 'The Lady with the Dog'. She is a complex character caught in an affair. Her struggle between her love for Dmitri and her sense of propriety makes her stand out.
Another is Arkady in 'A Dreary Story'. He represents the younger generation's restlessness and search for meaning. His interactions with the older professor, the narrator, show the clash of different worldviews. These characters, among others, are so memorable because Chekhov gives them depth and authenticity, making them seem like real people with real problems.
Then there's Ivan in 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich'. His journey from a self - centered bureaucrat to a man facing his own mortality is very powerful. He realizes the emptiness of his life as he lies on his deathbed, which is a profound transformation. There are also the minor characters like the servants in some of Chekhov's stories. They often provide a contrast to the main characters, highlighting the social differences and the different ways of looking at life.
The character of Sasha in 'A Boring Story' is quite memorable. He is a young man with a lot of potential but also a lot of flaws. His relationship with his uncle, the narrator, shows his struggle to find his place in the world. Also, in 'The Bet', the young lawyer who endures years of isolation for a bet is a character that stays with the reader. His development over the years of the bet, from a young, confident man to a more jaded and philosophical one, is very interesting.
There's also Liza in 'The House with the Mezzanine'. She is a young woman full of life and ideals, and her relationship with the narrator is complex and interesting. Varya in 'The Cherry Orchard' is another character that stands out. She is practical and tries to save the family's orchard, in contrast to the more dreamy and irresponsible characters around her.
Ivan Dmitritch from 'The Lottery Ticket' is quite memorable. His sudden change from a content man to one full of greed and envy when he thinks he might have won the lottery is striking. Another is Olga in 'The Darling'. Her ability to adapt to different men in her life and almost lose her own identity in the process is very interesting.
There's Sonya from 'Uncle Vanya'. She is a very sympathetic character, self - sacrificing and trying to hold the family together. Her unrequited love for Astrov adds depth to her character. And then there's Praskovya Fedorovna from 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich'. Her cold and somewhat callous attitude towards her dying husband is both disturbing and memorable.
I'm not entirely sure off - hand, but typically Chekhov's stories have complex characters. I would need to read the story again to accurately name the main characters.
There are often self - absorbed characters. These are people who are so wrapped up in their own problems, desires, or self - images that they don't really see the world around them clearly. For instance, in some stories, a character might be so focused on their own social standing that they miss out on real human connections.
There is the 'boor' character who is rough - edged and seems to lack social niceties. He is loud and his actions are often abrupt. Then there are the other characters who are more refined, they are taken aback by the 'boor's' behavior.
The passage of time and change are also key themes. His characters are often in a state of flux, facing new situations that force them to adapt or resist. Love and relationships are common too. Chekhov explores different kinds of love, from passionate to platonic, and how they can be both fulfilling and destructive.
I think Ivan Dmitritch in 'The Lottery Ticket' is quite memorable. His sudden change in mood when he thinks he might have won the lottery is very vivid. Another one is Sonya in 'Uncle Vanya'. Her self - sacrifice and unrequited love make her a character that stays with the reader.
The short story 'A Problem' by Chekhov is set in a certain social context. It reflects the values and norms of the society at that time. Through the story, we can see how people interacted with each other based on class, status, and moral codes. The language used by Chekhov is simple yet effective in conveying the subtleties of the characters' emotions and the overall atmosphere of the story.