In a Russian provincial town live the children of General Prozorov, who died a year ago: three sisters - Olga, Irina and Masha - and their younger brother Andrew. The Prozorovs are going to return to the city of their childhood, to Moscow, as they are oppressed by the provincial life. Andrew wants to continue his scientific career at Moscow University. However, he soon marries Natasha and they have a baby. He is forced to start working in the city government. Olga, against her desire, continues to work in the gymnasium, Irina tries to lead an active life, but the work only annoys her. Her last hope is to become the wife of Tuzenbach, who is in love with her, and leave the city with him. Masha falls in love with Colonel Vershinin, but he is married - and Masha is married also. The dream of returning to Moscow is becoming less real. In the finale of the play, three years later, all the hopes and plans of the three sisters are finally broken. The military unit moves to another city - Vershinin leaves Masha. Olga becomes the head of the school she hates. Irina’s groom is killed in a duel by Soleni. Andrew is the father of two children and a provincial official. Natasha becomes the hostess of the house of the Prozorovs. The three sisters find support only in each other and in the thought that they must live on.