Anton Chekhov (29 January 1860 - 15 July 1904) (Old Style: 17 January 1860 - 2 July 1904) was a major Russian writer known primarily for his short stories and plays. Many of his short stories are considered the apotheosis of the form while his plays, though few—and only four are considered major—have had a great impact on dramatic literature and performance.
Chekhov is better known in modern-day Russia for his several hundred short stories, many of which are considered masterpieces of the form. Yet his plays are also major influences on twentieth-century drama. From Chekhov, many contemporary playwrights have learned how to use mood, apparent trivialities and inaction to highlight the internal psychology of characters. Chekhov's four major plays—The Seagull, Uncle Vanya, Three Sisters, and The Cherry Orchard—are frequently revived in modern productions.
