The Seagull by Anton Chekhov

In The Seagull by Anton Chekhov, aspiring playwright Konstantin stages an experimental play starring Nina, a young actress he loves, at his uncle’s lakeside estate. His mother, Arkadina—a famous actress—mocks the play. Arkadina’s lover, the successful writer Trigorin, becomes infatuated with Nina, who falls for him and leaves for Moscow to pursue acting.

Two years later, Nina’s acting career and relationship with Trigorin have failed. Konstantin, still desperately in love with Nina, has become a published writer but remains unhappy. Nina visits briefly, comparing herself to a seagull that Konstantin once shot, and rejects his love.

Devastated, Konstantin destroys his manuscripts and takes his own life offstage. The play revolutionized theater with its naturalistic portrayal of artistic and romantic disappointment, highlighting themes of unrequited love, art versus commerce, and the tension between new and traditional forms.