The first drama play and its importance for Chekhov's creative development. "Small press" of the 1880s. Themes and genres of Chekhov's humorous prose in the context of journalism of his time. The sketch genre in Leykin's and Chekhov's writings. Comic situations and comic characters. Early Chekhov's satire (short stories about government officials). The lyrical and the dramatic in Chekhov's short stories (Misery, Sorrow). The concept of "stories of discovery".