Character Breakdown

 

TEVYE is the heart and conscience of Fiddler on the Roof. Tevye is often cast as a larger young man, but his stature really comes from his integrity and zest for life. Tevye should be able to show the wide range of conflict, joy and pain that this character feels throughout the story. Your actor needs to be comfortable speaking directly to the audience and must develop a comfortable rapport with them. He does not need to have a great singing voice, but he must have a strong, easily projected voice that can fill your performance space.

 

GOLDE is the backbone of the family. She has a rather gruff exterior, but in her heart is sheer dedication to her family. When casting Golde, remember that she must be able to manage Tevye. She runs the household, and must be able to keep Tevye's more emotional side in check. Conversely, she should be able to show a softer side when dealing with Chava and Tevye's rift. She, like Tevye, does not need to be the greatest singer in the world but should have a commanding voice.

 

TZEITEL is the oldest daughter of Tevye and Golde. She is the first to challenge the traditions of Anatevka by pleading with her fateher to let her marry Motel the tailor, to whom she has pledged her love. Keep in mind that she is the oldest daughter, is determined and can manipulate her father. This is the perfect spot for a dramatic actress.

 

HODEL is a strong, independent middle child. She is outspoken but respectful. She has her eye on the Rabbi s son at the outset of the story, but she is charmed by the revolutionary Perchick the moment she meets him, though she may not show it right away. Her dedication and love is real as she follows him to Siberia. Cast an excellent singer and actor as Hodel.

 

CHAVA is the scholarly daughter who loves to read. Her love the Russian, Fyedka, tests her father to the very limit and provides the largest conflict in the story. Cast an actress who is able to display a wide emotional range.

 

SHPRINTZE and BIELKE are the youngest daughters of Tevye and Golde. They are considerably younger than the three matchmaker daughters. They only have a few lines but are featured in quite a few scenes. They don't need to be strong singers or actresses but should be confident onstage.

 

MOTEL is the poor, young tailor who is charmed with Tzeitel. He is an endearing sort of Woody Allen type. He doesn't have to be a great singer but requires a sensitive and nervous, yet lovable portrayal.

 

PERCHIK is a young student who brings with him radical new ideas that challenge the traditions of the community. Perchik should be able to hold his own with Tevye. He is a strong character, and clashes with Tevye idealistically, but is likable, charming and ultimately becomes a loyal family member.

 

LAZAR WOLF is a butcher, the town's wealthiest citizen and is the same age as, if not older, than, Tevye. Lazar could easily be played by a large boy, but an actor of any size can pull off this role. Lazar must appear rather distasteful and feisty, which is why Tzeitel is frightened to marry him. 

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YENTE is the middle-aged widow who matches up the young people of the village in hopes that they will marry. She is a village busybody and knows all the news of the town. Cast a girl with great comedic timing.

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THE CONSTABLE is the local sheriff representing the Russian government. Cast an actor who can provide a sense of threat and conflict. The constable is a complex character, caught between his good nature towards the people of Anatevka and his duty to the non-Jewish Russian government. This is a non-singing role that requires a strong actor.

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FYEDKA is a strong, young, Russian soldier who falls in love with Chava. This is a great role for a strong, non-singing actor.

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FEATURED ENSEMBLE: Mordcha is a friendly, interesting innkeeper. Yussel is a hatter. Avram is a bookseller. Mendel is the Rabbi's son. The Rabbi is the spiritual center of the community and the actor should be able to play an old man onstage. He should have a comic feel, although this is a serious role. 

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THE VILLAGERS will portray the people of the village as Papas, Mamas, Sons or Daughters. Also included in this group are the Guests, Inn Patrons, Motel's Parents and Motel's Relations. Keep the musicians consistent throughout the show, choosing a few actors with a great rapport. Also, keep family units when casting Motel's parents and relations. This can be as large a group as your stage can safely accommodate. They are the faces of Anatevka. This is a wonderful opportunity to cast anyone regardless of his or her talent level or experience.

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THE RUSSIAN SOLDIERS are under the command of the Constable. These are perfect roles for kids who have had little or no experience. Sasha has two short lines, and all the Russians sing together.