Konstantin is a 25-year-old aspiring writer living at his uncle Sorin's country estate. He attempts to invent new theatrical forms to separate himself from the traditional theater of his mother's generation. He frequently feels inferior when surrounded by famous artists, driving him to unpredictable emotional outbursts, such as shooting a seagull to express his despair.

Nina is a young, beautiful neighbor who lives across the lake under the strict control of her father and stepmother. She possesses a romanticized view of fame and believes that becoming a celebrated actress will solve all her problems. Her ambition causes her to prioritize the attention of established artists over the quiet affections of those her own age.

Arkadina is a successful, wealthy actress whose career as a leading lady is beginning to slow down. She insists on behaving as though she is still a teenager, boasting about her energy and refusing to look toward the future. She tightly controls her finances, refusing to give her son proper clothes or lend money to her ailing brother, while simultaneously demanding constant flattery from her peers.

Trigorin is a famous author approaching his forties who feels entirely consumed by his compulsion to write. He carries a small notebook everywhere, constantly observing his surroundings to harvest details for his stories. Despite his wide success, he suffers from deep insecurity, constantly comparing himself unfavorably to older, greater Russian writers.

Masha is the daughter of the estate managers, trapped in a rural existence she finds excruciatingly dull. She copes with her severe unhappiness by taking snuff, drinking vodka before lunch, and openly declaring her misery to anyone who will listen. She plans to marry a man she does not love simply to put a definitive end to her romantic hopes.

Sorin is the 62-year-old owner of the estate who spent his life working in a government office. He suffers from asthma, dizzy spells, and general frailty, often falling asleep in his wheelchair. He deeply regrets never experiencing the excitement of a life in town, never marrying, and never becoming a writer.

Dorn is a handsome, aging local physician who has spent his life successfully delivering babies and treating the residents of the countryside. He maintains a calm, detached perspective on the endless romantic dramas of Sorin's guests. He is the only older character who genuinely encourages new artistic endeavors rather than criticizing them.

Polina is the unhappy wife of the estate manager. She feels trapped in a loveless marriage and a mundane rural life. She is acutely aware of her own advancing age and desperately wishes to spend her remaining years openly with the man she actually loves, rather than hiding in secret.

Shamraev is the stubborn, pragmatic manager of Sorin's farm. He views the daily agricultural work of the estate as far more important than the whims of the artistic guests. He is completely unimpressed by celebrity status and frequently causes scenes by bluntly refusing the demands of his wealthy employers.

Medvedenko is a local schoolteacher who constantly calculates the cost of living. He walks several miles to the estate each day just to be near the woman he loves. He is a practical man who struggles to understand the dramatic, philosophical complaints of the wealthy artists, viewing financial security as the true measure of happiness.

Yakov is a general laborer on Sorin's estate. He performs the physical tasks required to keep the household running, moving luggage and assisting the wealthy guests as they transition between the country and the town.