"The Lady with the Dog"

Chekhov is more involved with Dmitry’s character because he allows the reader much more insight into his feelings. Whereas Anna’s emotions are only revealed through the dialogue, and Dmitry’s observations of her behavior, the reader is allowed a more in-depth account of Dmitry’s conflict. He is obviously very conflicted with himself - he wonders why women young women flock to him, but then reassures himself that he is only deceiving them, and that there must be something about him that draws them in and makes them want to stay. Anna’s character, on the other hand, seems very vulnerable and unhappy. She explicitly states that she is unhappy, and she is obviously conflicted about how to sustain her relationship with her husband and to be with Dmitry. She would bring shame on her husband and herself if she were to act more impulsively on her love for Dmitry. 

In the beginning of the short story, Dmitry’s character seems reserved and confident. He is not looking for love, as he believes that all women are of a “lower race.” He is also able to cut himself off from those he at one point cared for. Going through the monotonous, daily motions of his life are not pleasing to him. He thinks that everyone around him is uninteresting. However, as the story progresses he realizes his love for Anna. He is unable to deny it, and willing to allow himself a chance to be with her. Thus, he is in a sense unhardened and humbled by the end of the story (he wonders why any young woman would love an aging man such as himself).