Through the short story In Exile, Anton Chekov has

characterized Semyon as an optimistic, cold blooded and dignified man. In the story, the major characters Semyon and Tatar are in exile in the cold Siberia. The old man Semyon is nicknamed Canny by other fellows, which indicates he is regarded as a smart person. Chekov characterizes Semyon through his words to the Tatar, who is always having a feeling of nostalgia, like that has been written in the book :“ I've been going like that for twenty-two years, day and night... And thank God for it, I want nothing; God give everyone such a life”. Semyon has been in exile for twenty-two years, and he is satisfied with his life which has been filled with everyday hard labor. In his speech, he first shows his appreciation to the God, then he wishes everyone can have a life like him, which indicates how satisfied he is with his situation. The story took place in the cold Siberia, with the main character who has been in exile for a long time; Chekov makes a contrast between the terrible living conditions and the optimistic Semyon, and it emphasizes his positive attitudes towards life.