# The Village Headman — Short Fiction character guide

> The Village Headman in Short Fiction by Nikolai Gogol.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0003-a-may-night

## Snapshot

The pompous village headman who lords it over free Cossacks, chases their girls, and gets baited through the night by Levko's disguised revellers.

## Who they are

The headman carries himself like a duke among free Cossacks, treating villagers as serfs and cajoling their sweethearts — including Hanna, whose name he borrows when caught in the dark. His hypocrisy enrages Levko, who rallies the youths to 'bait the headman' with disguises and songs, and the old sinner's own guest, the brandy-distiller, sits smoking in his house unaware. He is the target that turns private grievance into communal mischief.

## In the story

### [A May Night](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se/chapters/a-may-night)

Levko's father, who secretly desires Hanna and opposes Levko's marriage.

### [II: The Village Headman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se/chapters/ii-the-village-headman)

Described as a morose, severe, and important figure who once accompanied Empress Catherine and now rules the village with authority.

### [III: An Unexpected Rival—The Conspiracy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se/chapters/iii-an-unexpected-rival-the-conspiracy)

Revealed as Levko's rival; tries to court Hanna and threatens Levko; later attacked by the youths who mistake him for Hanna.

### [IV: Wild Pranks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se/chapters/iv-wild-pranks)

Hosts the distiller, deals with the drunken Kalenik, and is mocked by a serenade.

### [VI: The Awakening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se/chapters/vi-the-awakening)

Captures Levko, reads the Commissary's order, and agrees to the wedding after being flattered by the Commissary's impending visit.

### [VII: How a Reconciliation Was Sought to Be Effected and a Lawsuit Ensued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se/chapters/vii-how-a-reconciliation-was-sought-to-be-effected-and-a-lawsuit-ensued)

The chief of police, who organizes the reconciliation dinner and tries to force the friends to shake hands.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se/characters/the_headman
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_40_se/characters