Character Analysis
Shamrayev manages Sorin's farm, is husband to Paulina, and is father to Masha. He's a blowhard and a bully. He calls Arkadina "Madame," and tries to impress her with stories of old actors and singers. When anyone asks for horses on the farm, Shamrayev shows 'em who's boss.
He seems to enjoy the power he has to trap people on the estate, or make them walk four miles in the rain. Refusing his unfortunate son-in-law a horse to go home and tend the baby, Shamrayev says "Don't worry , he'll make it. Who does he think he is? A general?" (4.105).