Alexander, a retired professor, and his beautiful young wife, Yelena, have returned to his country estate. Their presence is a complete disruption to everyone including Sonya, the daughter of the professor and his first wife, and Uncle Vanya, the first wife's brother, who have managed the farm for many years. The presence of the captivating Yelena introduces tension into the household. Dr. Astrov, a frequent visitor, and Vanya both fall in love with her. Unfortunately, Sonya has long been secretly in love with Astrov, who fails even to notice her. Yelena attempts to help Sonya's cause but is unsuccessful as she struggles to deny her own attraction to Astrov. When Vanya realizes that Alexander has a fraudulent reputation and that he is planning to sell the estate, Vanya, furious and desperate, attempts to shoot him. Alexander and Yelena decide to leave the estate, and Vanya asserts that now, "everything will be just as it was." Of course, nothing will ever be the same.