Character Descriptions

Tevye is a likeable, hard-working, pious man who sees the positive side of life. Strong patriarch but gentle father of 5 daughters he has raised according to the Scriptures. He is humorous and relaxed, but when pushed, can show stubbornness and rage. Strong actor who must carry the show and have a good connection with the audience. Must sing very well.

Golde is the real strength behind Tevye, the one who keeps the household going. She is very concerned that her daughters make good matches and have easier lives than she & Tevye have had. Good comic timing for very funny lines.

Tzeitel is the first daughter to marry and the first to challenge the traditions. She has a desperate crying scene with Tevye when faced with marrying Lazar Wolf instead of Motel, who she really loves. A strong dramatic actor.

Hodel becomes intrigued with the radical, young student, Perchik. She eventually leaves Anatevka to join him in Siberia where he is imprisoned for his reform activities. Hodel sings a haunting solo as she says goodbye to her father at the train station. Must sing well.

Chava is the scholarly daughter who loves to read. She falls in love and runs off with Fyedka, a Russian soldier, and breaks her father’s heart. This role requires a capable dramatic actress who can perform an emotional dance.

Motel is a rather meek & poor tailor who seeks the hand of Tzeitel, and comes into his own in the process! This is a terrific character role needing a sensitive, nervous but loveable portrayal.

Perchik is a visitor to Anatevka, and therefore, an outsider. He brings with him radical new ideas that challenge the traditions. He falls for Hodel. This role requires an actor capable of showing intensity and an unfailing commitment to his beliefs.

Lazar is the town’s wealthiest citizen & is the same age, if not older, than Tevye. He wants to marry, by traditional parental agreement, Tevye’s daughter, Tzeitel. Promising to give her a good & secure life. A feisty, comic role.

Fyedka, a strong young soldier, sees past his military obligations and falls in love with Chava. He challenges Tevye’s imposed silence towards him. Fyedka has a solo in “To Life” and dances a Russian dance with his fellow soldiers.

Runs the bar in town and is a friend of Tevye. Is in charge of the wedding arrangements.

Anatevka’s Jewish spiritual leader.

The Rabbi’s son. He is uncertain of the presence of Perchik in the village.

Grandma Tzeitel is a ghost figure who appears in the Dream Scene and has a wonderful solo, endorsing the marriage of Tzeitel to Motel. It is a very entertaining & memorable role. This actress will also appear as a villager.

Fruma-Sarah is also a ghost figure who appears in the Dream Scene. She portrays Lazar Wolf’s departed wife & becomes enraged that her husband plans on marrying Tzeitel. It is a show-stopping scene requiring a strong singer to carry a challenging solo. This actress will also appear as a villager.

These chorus members will portray the people of the village as either Papas, Mamas, Sons or Daughters. Also, Russian soldiers and featured dancers. There will be double casting in these areas as needed. Some smaller speaking roles & solos will be determined during rehearsals.