Caucasian Chalk Circle: characters

Main Characters

Grusha Vashnadze: An upright kitchen maid who becomes the surrogate mother of the Governor’s abandoned baby, Michael. Grusha’s character is compassionate and dedicated, going to great lengths to protect Michael despite risks and difficulties.
Michael Abashwili: The Governor’s son who is abandoned during a coup. Though an infant and passive character, Michael’s presence drives the plot and symbolises the disputed territories of post-WWII geopolitics.
Azdak: Azdak is a complex character: a corrupt yet paradoxically just judge. His unconventional judgements denote subversion of the authority, a typical marker of political drama.
Natella Abbashwili: The Governor’s wife and Michael’s biological mother, Natella is a portrayal of selfishness and indifference. Her sole interest lies in retaining her wealth and status.

The Governor (Georgi Abashwili): His character represents a corrupt authority. Although he appears only for a brief time, his power and authority marks a distinct contrast to the socio-political changes occurring in his background.
Simon Chachava: A soldier engaged to Grusha, Simon symbolises one side of the proletariat - loyal, hardworking, but plagued by circumstances beyond his control.
The Singer: An indirect character who serves as a narrator, commentator, and character in the play. The singer embodies Brecht’s technique of Verfremdungseffekt, offering critical reflection on the events narrated.

Grusha and Michael: A relationship marked by motherly love, despite no blood relation. Grusha’s selflessness and risk-taking for Michael’s safety reflects Brecht’s social commentary on rightful ownership and power.
Azdak and the Courtroom: Azdak’s radical judgements within the courtroom setting offer theatrical spaces for satirical critique of justice. His interactions with other characters here reveal the contradictions of class and justice.
Grusha and Simon: Their relationship represents the struggles of ordinary people caught in the whirlwind of political changes, depicting a poignant side of human resilience and hope.

Grusha’s Maturation: The character of Grusha evolves from a simple kitchen maid to a defiant woman who bravely navigates through war, risk, and legal challenges to protect her adopted son.
Azdak’s Transformation: From a lowly village scrivener to the eccentric judge, Azdak’s transformation and his unconventional trials showcase the anomalous intersection of corruption and justice.
Natella’s Unchanging Nature: Her unchanged nature throughout the entire course of the play represents the obliviousness and apathy of the elite class towards societal changes.