Family Systems Theory in Chekhov’s ‘Big Four’ Plays

Abstract

This thesis discusses the Bowen family systems theory and its application to character analysis and family relationships in drama. Chekhov’s plays are renowned for their psychological realism. Each character has his or her own unique history, which was a boon to the creation and development of the Stanislavski acting system. This thesis is an exercise in character creation through psychological analysis. The primary character relationships are explored in each of Chekhov’s four major plays. Each play is analyzed using the Bowen principle that appears most overtly in that play. It is concluded that character creation for actors and directors, as well as literary analysis, will benefit from the application of this method.