MAIN CHARACTERS [HIDDEN]
Note that the gender is listed only for clarity. Students do not need to match the character’s gender.
Tevye
Tevye is the heart and conscience of Fiddler on the Roof Jr, with a zest for life. Tevye’s character shows a wide range of conflict, joy, and pain that this character feels throughout the story.
Gender: Male
Golde
Golde is the backbone of the family. She has a rather gruff exterior, but in her heart is sheer dedication to her family. She runs the household, keeps Tevye’s more emotional side in check. Conversely, she shows a softer side when dealing with Tevye’s and Chava’s rift.
Gender: Female
Tzeitel
Tzeitel is the oldest daughter of Tevye and Golde. She is the first to challenge the traditions of Anatevka by pleading with her father to let her marry Motel the tailor, to whom she has pledged her love.
Gender: Female
Hodel
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.
Gender: Female
Chava
Chava is the scholarly daughter who loves to read. Her love for the Russian, Fyedka, tests her father to the very limit and provides the largest conflict in the story. She displays a wide emotional range.
Gender: Female
Shprintze and Bielke
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.
Gender: Female
Motel
Motel is the poor, young tailor who is charmed with Tzeitel. He is an endearing character who requires a sensitive and nervous, yet lovable portrayal.
Gender: Male
Perchik
Perchik is a young student who brings with him radical new ideas that challenge the traditions of the community. Perchik will hold his own with Tevye and is a strong character, and clashes with Tevye idealistically, but is likable, charming, and ultimately becomes a loyal family member.
Gender: Male
Lazar Wolf
Lazar Wolf is a butcher, the town’s wealthiest citizen and is the same age as, if not older than, Tevye. Lazar must appear rather distasteful and feisty, which is why Tzeitel is frightened to marry him.
Gender: Male
Fiddler
The Fiddler must be an actor who can hold the attention of an entire audience with stylized movement, facial expression, and dance. Freedom of movement and expression are the keys to this character. The Fiddler is a silent role, yet an important one, and can easily be played by either a boy or a girl.
Gender: Both
Yente
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. This character displays comedic timing.
Gender: Female
Constable
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.
Gender: Male
Fyedka
Fyedka is a strong, young, Russian soldier who falls in love with Chava. This is a great role for a strong, non-singing actor.
Gender: Male
Featured Ensemble
Mordcha, Yussel, Avram, the Rabbi, and Mendel are smaller roles that add much to the richness of the community portrayed in Fiddler on the Roof Jr. 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. These roles have a short part in “To Life” that can be spoken or sung.
Gender: Male
Villagers
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. They are the faces of Anatevka and a wonderful opportunity for stage and musical theater experience.
Gender: Both
Ensemble
The First Man, Second Man, Another Man, First Woman, Second Woman, and Third Woman all have spoken lines and are great featured roles, perfect for performers who are new to the stage.
Gender: Both
Russian Soldiers
The Russian Soldiers are under the command of the Constable. These are perfect roles for kids who want stage experience and a few speaking lines. Sasha has two short lines, and all the Russians sing together.
Gender: Male
