The Cause of It All — Leo Tolstoy

CHARACTERS AKULINA. An old woman of seventy, brisk, dignified, old-fashioned. MICHAEL. Her son, thirty-five years old, passionate, self-satisfied, vain and strong. MARTHA. Her daughter-in-law, a grumbler, speaks much and rapidly. PARASHKA. Ten years old, daughter of Martha and Michael. TARAS. The village elder's assistant, speaks slowly and gives himself airs. A TRAMP. Forty years old, restless, thin, speaks impressively; when drunk is particularly free and easy. IGNAT. Forty years old, a buffoon, merry and stupid."