Chatsky

Chatsky, whose full name is Alexander Andreyevich Chatsky, is a fictional character and the central figure in Alexander Griboyedov's comedy Woe from Wit (Gore ot Uma), first staged in 1825. Set in Moscow, the play follows his socially critical return from abroad and his clashes with the local aristocracy as he speaks frankly about hypocrisy and pretension.

Chatsky is a young, educated man who has spent time in Western Europe. He speaks with wit and candor, challenging the rigid manners and superficial concerns of his hosts. His outspoken views on marriage, class, and governance place him at odds with the social circle he encounters, and his blunt critique often provokes hostility rather than agreement.

Upon returning, Chatsky forms a complicated relationship with Sofya and becomes entangled in the circle’s ambitions and schemes. His blunt honesty alienates those around him, and a romance he pursues is strained by social expectations. The ensuing conflicts culminate in his isolation and departure from Moscow, leaving the audience with a skeptical view of reformist impulses within rigid society.

Impact: Chatsky is considered one of Russian literature’s enduring archetypes—a candid, rational critic who challenges social hypocrisy. The character is widely analyzed in literary studies and remains a staple of Russian theatre, frequently revived in stage and screen adaptations. He is often read as a representation of the struggle between Enlightenment-influenced ideals and conservative social norms in 19th-century Russia.