make up for

[jasonlulu_2000]

　"It is often said that nothing happens in Chekhov’s stories and plays. He made up for this with his exciting technique for developing drama within his characters."

What does the sentence mean above?


Thanks!

Jason

 

[MikeNewYork]

　"It is often said that nothing happens in Chekhov’s stories and plays. He made up for this with his exciting technique for developing drama within his characters."

What does the sentence mean above?



Thanks!

Jason

Chekov's drama was created by his character development. The answer is contained in the surrounding sentences.

"The typical Chekhovian story has little external plot. The point of the story is most often found in what happens within a given character, and that is conveyed indirectly, by suggestion or by significant detail. It is often said that nothing happens in Chekhov's stories and plays, but he compensates for any lack of outward excitement by his original techniques for developing internal drama. His main themes are work and love, but his characters find lasting satisfaction in neither activity. His younger characters are usually portrayed as victims of illusion, the older ones as victims of disillusionment. The passage of time is a constant preoccupation, as are the trivialities of life and the desultory and unsuccessful search for its meaning."

Anton Chekhov

 

[MartinEnglish]

"make up for" means "compensate" - is that what you mean?