Chichikov

Nozdrev

Chichikov and Nozdrev have a volatile, antagonistic relationship marked by Nozdrev's chaotic interference and Chichikov's attempts to manipulate him.

Manilov

Chichikov engages with the overly sentimental and impractical Manilov in a superficial, transactional acquaintance.

Selifan

Selifan is Chichikov's loyal but often drunken coachman, serving him with a mix of devotion and negligence.

Platon Mikhalitch

Chichikov befriends the melancholic Platon Mikhalitch, using him as a companion and guide through the provinces.

Colonel Koshkarev

Chichikov clashes with the absurdly bureaucratic Colonel Koshkarev, whose rigid systems frustrate Chichikov's schemes.

Plushkin

Chichikov manipulates the miserly Plushkin, exploiting his paranoia and greed to acquire dead souls cheaply.

Korobotchka

Chichikov tries to outwit the stubborn, suspicious Korobotchka, who resists his attempts to buy her dead souls.

Khlobuev

Chichikov interacts with the debt-ridden, desperate Khlobuev, seeing him as a potential mark for his schemes.

Murazov

Chichikov is both awed and challenged by the wise, moral Murazov, who sees through his schemes and tries to reform him.

General Betristchev

Chichikov ingratiates himself with the proud, old-fashioned General Betristchev, using flattery to gain access.

Lieutenant Kuvshinnikov

Chichikov shares a casual, carousing acquaintance with the pleasure-seeking Lieutenant Kuvshinnikov.

Kostanzhoglo

Chichikov admires the efficient, hardworking landowner Kostanzhoglo, seeking his advice and approval.

Author's Preface to the First Portion of This Work

Referenced as the central figure who travels about the Russian land and meets folk of every condition, serving as a type to show vices and failings.

Dead Souls Part I

The protagonist who arrives in town and executes his scheme to purchase dead souls.

Chapter I: The Arrival of Paul Ivanovitch Chichikov

The protagonist arrives in town, inspects the locale, and attends the Governor's party, where he mingles with officials and landowners.

Chapter II

Proposes the purchase of dead souls from Manilov, using flattery and emotional appeals to secure the deal.

Chapter III

Persuades Korobotchka to sell dead souls, grows frustrated with her obstinacy, and finally secures the deal.

IV

Stops at a tavern for a meal, converses with the landlady, and is later coerced into visiting Nozdrev's estate, where he regrets revealing his scheme.

Chapter V

The protagonist who negotiates the purchase of dead souls from Sobakevitch, displaying both cunning and irritation.

Chapter VI: Plushkin's Hoard

Visits Plushkin, negotiates the purchase of dead souls, and displays cunning and arithmetic skill.

Chapter VII

Completes the purchase of dead souls, celebrates with officials, and drunkenly returns to the inn.

Chapter VIII

The protagonist whose purchases of dead souls make him the center of attention; he becomes infatuated with the Governor's daughter and is publicly exposed by Nozdrev.

Chapter IX

Subject of rumors: accused of attempting to abduct the Governor's daughter and of being a forger or brigand; his identity remains unknown to the officials.

Chapter X

Confined to his room with a chill, he learns of the rumors against him and decides to flee the town.

Chapter XI

The protagonist whose scheme to buy dead souls is conceived and executed. His early life and career are detailed, showing his resourcefulness and moral flexibility.

I

Observes Tientietnikov's neglected estate, dreams of becoming a landowner and having a family, and ponders the title of State Councillor.

Chapter II

Visits General Betristchev, flatters him, and proposes the dead souls scheme under the pretense of a fictional uncle.

Chapter III

Engages Kostanzhoglo in conversation about wealth and agriculture, and begins to scheme about purchasing Khlobuev's estate.

Chapter IV

Released from prison, contemplates reform, but quickly returns to old habits after recovering his dispatch-box.

Endnotes

Referenced in an endnote correcting an arithmetic error in his dealings.