Charlotta monologue from The Cherry Orchard

Charlotta’s monologue

I haven't a real passport. I don't know how old I am, and I think I'm young. When I was a little girl my father and mother used to go round fairs and give very good performances and I used to do the salto mortale and various little things. And when papa and mamma died a German lady took me to her and began to teach me. I liked it. I grew up and became a governess. And where I came from and who I am, I don't know.... Who my parents were—perhaps they weren't married—I don't know. I don't know anything. I do want to talk, but I haven't anybody to talk to... I haven't anybody at all.

Public domain text.