Lara Antipova

Lara Antipova is a central character in Boris Pasternak's novel "Doctor Zhivago" and its 1965 film adaptation. She is portrayed by Julie Christie in the film. Lara is a young woman who becomes romantically involved with the protagonist, Yuri Zhivago, amidst the backdrop of the Russian Revolution and Civil War. Lara's early life includes an engagement to an idealistic Bolshevik named Pasha, who is injured during a protest. She secretly has an affair with an older man, Viktor Komarovsky. After being raped by Komarovsky, Lara retaliates by shooting him. She eventually marries Pasha and has a daughter named Katya. Pasha joins the army during World War I, leaving Lara and Katya behind. Lara meets Yuri Zhivago while working as a nurse during the war, and they fall in love, although they initially suppress their feelings. After the war, Lara and Yuri reunite and rekindle their affair. Lara is a passionate character who displays deep passion in her relationships and life choices. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she perseveres and continues to fight for what she believes in. She is intelligent and practical, often making decisions based on necessity rather than idealism. Lara seeks meaning and beauty in life, often looking for "inner music" to accompany her existence. Her relationships, especially with Komarovsky, are marked by reluctance and a desire for something more meaningful. She is self-aware and understands the changes in her character over time. Lara Antipova's journey is one of love, loss, and resilience, making her a compelling and memorable character in literature and film.