In Anton Chekhov’s A Problem, Sasha Uskov’s character remained static throughout the text, which is evident when he is uninterested in his family’s forgiveness, when he is unable to identify the severity of his crime, and when he demanded money from his uncle Ivan. When Sasha’s family sat down to discuss the consequences of his crime, “He felt neither terror, shame, nor depression,” (??). The author also writes, “It seemed to him that it made absolutely no difference to him whether they forgave him or not,” and “It made no difference to him where he was: here in the hall, in prison, or in Siberia,” (??). It is blatantly obvious that Sasha is unconcerned with his fate, which is held in his family’s hands right on the other side of the door. …show more content…
The same is also true when Sasha reevaluated his decision to forge the IOU. Chekhov writes, “He was not to blame; it was the fault of circumstances,” (??). Sasha then says, “‘No, it doesn't mean that I am a criminal,’” (??). At this point Sasha still considers his crime to be of little importance and denies any association with the label of “criminal”. This proves that Sasha’s character is constant because of his lack of ability to come to terms with the severity of the crime he has committed. Nevertheless, his uncle, Ivan, defended him and convinced everyone to give him a second chance, Sasha remembers his plans he has with his friends that night and realizes he is short on money. He says to his uncle, “‘Uncle, lend me a hundred roubles,’” and after his uncle hesitated, Sasha adds, “‘Listen. If you don't, I'll give myself up tomorrow! I won't let you pay the IOU! I'll present another false note tomorrow!’” (??). After everything that Ivan did to persuade the rest of the family, Sasha is relentless. It is clear that even after what had just taken place, Sasha was an unchanged