# Who is Osip in The Inspector General?

> The Inspector General by Nikolai Gogol

## Answer

Osip is Khlestakov’s servant — practical, hungry, aware his master is a fraud yet complicit in the scam. He negotiates with the innkeeper, eats while Khlestakov performs, and helps pack when flight comes. Osip represents lower-class clarity while masters delude themselves.

His asides ground comedy in economic need: they need money for food and horses, not glory. Pair Osip with officials’ servants to show who sees truth up close. In classroom staging, Osip often steals scenes with weary honesty.

## Evidence

- [act-i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_inspector_general_se/chapters/act-i.md): Osip argues with the innkeeper over bills.

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