Character guide

Ivan Aleksandrovich Khlestakov

major

Also known as Khlestakov, Ivan Aleksandrovich, Ivan

A low-ranking clerk mistaken for a government inspector; the central figure of the play's deception.

Anton Antonovich Skvoznik-Dmukhanovsky

major

Also known as Anton Antonovich, Governor, Anton, Anton Skvoznik-Dmukhanovsky

The corrupt town governor who panics upon hearing of the inspector's arrival and schemes to cover up his misdeeds.

Anna Andreyevna

major

Also known as Anna, Anna Andreyevna

The governor's wife, vain and ambitious, who flirts with Khlestakov and dreams of moving to St. Petersburg.

Marya Antonovna

major

Also known as Marya, Marya Antonovna

The governor's young daughter, courted by Khlestakov, who proposes to her before fleeing town.

Osip

supporting

Also known as Osip Entering, Osip Higher

Khlestakov's shrewd and lazy servant, who sees through the town's mistake and advises his master to leave.

Piotr Ivanovich Bobchinsky

supporting

Also known as Bobchinsky, Piotr Ivanovich, Piotr

A local landowner and gossip who, with Dobchinsky, first reports the inspector's arrival to the governor.

Piotr Ivanovich Dobchinsky

supporting

Also known as Dobchinsky, Piotr Ivanovich Dobchinsky

A local landowner and gossip who, with Bobchinsky, first reports the inspector's arrival to the governor.

Artemy Filippovich Zemlianika

supporting

Also known as Artemy Filippovich, Artemy, Zemlianika

The trustee of charitable institutions, a sycophant who tries to curry favor with Khlestakov by denouncing others.

Ivan Kuzmich Shpekin

supporting

Also known as Postmaster, Ivan Kuzmich, Shpekin, Ivan Kuzmich Shpekin

The postmaster who opens and reads others' letters, including Khlestakov's revealing letter at the end.

Luka Lukich Khlopov

supporting

Also known as Luka Lukich, Luka

The timid school superintendent, terrified of authority and easily intimidated by Khlestakov.

Ammos Fiodorovich Liapkin-Tiapkin

supporting

Also known as Ammos Fiodorovich, Liapkin-Tiapkin, Ammos, Liapkin, Tiapkin

The judge, known for his hunting dogs and his casual attitude toward corruption and bribery.

Stepan Ivanovich Korobkin

minor

Also known as Korobkin, Stepan Ivanovich

A local landowner and retired official, part of the town's social circle.

Ivan Lazarevich Rastakovsky

minor

Also known as Rastakovsky, Ivan Lazarevich

A retired official and local notable, one of the town's elder figures.

Ivan Kuzmich Shpekin

supporting

Also known as Ivan Kuzmich, Shpekin

The postmaster, a gossip who opens letters out of curiosity.

Derzhimorda

minor

A police officer under the governor's command, known for rough handling of civilians.

Svistunov

minor

Also known as Sergeant Svistunov, Svistunov Sir

A police officer in the town, one of the governor's underlings.

Pugovichyn

minor

Also known as Sergeant Pugovichyn

A police officer mentioned among the governor's men.

Stepan Ilyich Ukhovertov

minor

Also known as Stepan Ilyich

A police officer, one of the governor's subordinates.

Mishka

minor

Also known as Mishka Gee

The governor's servant, who runs errands and delivers messages.

Abdulin

minor

A merchant who complains to Khlestakov about the governor's extortions.

Locksmith

minor

A woman, the wife of a locksmith, who petitions Khlestakov about the governor's abuses.

The Officer's Widow

minor

Also known as the officer's widow

A widow who complains to Khlestakov that she was flogged by mistake.

Ivanova

minor

Also known as Widow Ivanova, Widow

A widow mentioned in the town's complaints against the governor.

Prokhorov

minor

A doctor's assistant, mentioned in passing.

Christian Ivanovich Hübner

minor

Also known as Christian Ivanovich, Dr. Hübner

The town doctor, of German origin, who appears mostly silent.

Triapichkin

minor

Also known as Mr. Ivan Vasilyevich Triapichkin

Khlestakov's friend in St. Petersburg, to whom he writes a letter describing the town's folly.

Mashenka

minor

A servant in the governor's household.

Avdotya

minor

A servant mentioned in the governor's household.

Vlas

minor

A local peasant mentioned in passing.

Sidor

minor

A local peasant mentioned in passing.

Lukanchik

minor

A minor character mentioned in the play.

Liuliukov

minor

A local landowner, part of the town's social circle.

Antosha

minor

A nickname used by Anna Andreyevna for her husband.

Andrey Ivanovich

minor

A minor character mentioned in the play.

Panteleyeva

minor

A minor character mentioned in the play.

Sister Anna Krillovna

minor

A relative mentioned by Anna Andreyevna.

Labardan

minor

A fish dish mentioned in the play, not a character.