# Chichikov — Dead Souls character guide > Chichikov in Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Paul Ivanovitch Chichikov, Paul Ivanovitch, Ivanovitch, Monsieur Chichikov, young Chichikov, Pavlushka **First appearance:** 0002-dead-souls ## Snapshot A smooth-tongued gentleman of no fixed identity who rolls through Russia buying up dead serfs, and somehow makes the con sound like good manners. ## Who they are Chichikov arrives in provincial drawing rooms as a man of the world — polished, curious, unfailingly agreeable — and sets about acquiring the names of peasants who have died but still stand on the tax rolls. His genius is not the scheme itself but the performance around it: he flatters landowners, haggles gently, and keeps his own history sealed. Watching him work, the reader learns that in this society a man is whatever he can convincingly seem. ## Relationships ### [Nozdrev](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/characters/nozdrev) _rivalry_ Chichikov and Nozdrev have a volatile, antagonistic relationship marked by Nozdrev's chaotic interference and Chichikov's attempts to manipulate him. ### [Manilov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/characters/manilov) _social_ Chichikov engages with the overly sentimental and impractical Manilov in a superficial, transactional acquaintance. ### [Selifan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/characters/selifan) _professional_ Selifan is Chichikov's loyal but often drunken coachman, serving him with a mix of devotion and negligence. ### [Platon Mikhalitch](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/characters/platon_mikhalitch) _friendship_ Chichikov befriends the melancholic Platon Mikhalitch, using him as a companion and guide through the provinces. ### [Colonel Koshkarev](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/characters/colonel_koshkarev) _rivalry_ Chichikov clashes with the absurdly bureaucratic Colonel Koshkarev, whose rigid systems frustrate Chichikov's schemes. ### [Plushkin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/characters/plushkin) _psychological_ Chichikov manipulates the miserly Plushkin, exploiting his paranoia and greed to acquire dead souls cheaply. ### [Korobotchka](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/characters/korobotchka) _psychological_ Chichikov tries to outwit the stubborn, suspicious Korobotchka, who resists his attempts to buy her dead souls. ### [Khlobuev](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/characters/khlobuev) _social_ Chichikov interacts with the debt-ridden, desperate Khlobuev, seeing him as a potential mark for his schemes. ### [Murazov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/characters/murazov) _psychological_ Chichikov is both awed and challenged by the wise, moral Murazov, who sees through his schemes and tries to reform him. ### [General Betristchev](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/characters/general_betristchev) _social_ Chichikov ingratiates himself with the proud, old-fashioned General Betristchev, using flattery to gain access. ### [Lieutenant Kuvshinnikov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/characters/lieutenant_kuvshinnikov) _social_ Chichikov shares a casual, carousing acquaintance with the pleasure-seeking Lieutenant Kuvshinnikov. ### [Kostanzhoglo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/characters/kostanzhoglo) _friendship_ Chichikov admires the efficient, hardworking landowner Kostanzhoglo, seeking his advice and approval. ## In the story ### [Author's Preface to the First Portion of This Work](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/dead-souls) The protagonist who arrives in town and executes his scheme to purchase dead souls. ### [Chapter I: The Arrival of Paul Ivanovitch Chichikov](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-i-i) The protagonist arrives in town, inspects the locale, and attends the Governor's party, where he mingles with officials and landowners. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-i-ii) Proposes the purchase of dead souls from Manilov, using flattery and emotional appeals to secure the deal. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-i-iii) Persuades Korobotchka to sell dead souls, grows frustrated with her obstinacy, and finally secures the deal. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-i-v) The protagonist who negotiates the purchase of dead souls from Sobakevitch, displaying both cunning and irritation. ### [Chapter VI: Plushkin's Hoard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-i-vi) Visits Plushkin, negotiates the purchase of dead souls, and displays cunning and arithmetic skill. ### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-i-vii) Completes the purchase of dead souls, celebrates with officials, and drunkenly returns to the inn. ### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-i-x) Confined to his room with a chill, he learns of the rumors against him and decides to flee the town. ### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-ii-i) Observes Tientietnikov's neglected estate, dreams of becoming a landowner and having a family, and ponders the title of State Councillor. ### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-ii-ii) Visits General Betristchev, flatters him, and proposes the dead souls scheme under the pretense of a fictional uncle. ### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-ii-iii) Engages Kostanzhoglo in conversation about wealth and agriculture, and begins to scheme about purchasing Khlobuev's estate. ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/part-ii-iv) Released from prison, contemplates reform, but quickly returns to old habits after recovering his dispatch-box. ### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/chapters/endnotes) Referenced in an endnote correcting an arithmetic error in his dealings. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/characters/chichikov - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dead_souls_se/characters