First published in 1897, Uncle Vanya finds an elderly Professor and his glamorous wife visiting a rural estate that supports their urban lifestyle. Vanya an Astrov fall for Elena and Sonya (The Professor's daughter) meanwhile suffers from the awareness of her own lack of beauty and from her unrequited feelings for Dr. Astrov. Matters are brought to a crsis when the Professor announces his intention to sell the estate, Vanya and Sonya's home and raison d'tre, with a view to investing the proceeds to achieve a higher income for himself and his wife.