The Government Inspector

Main Characters and Their Development

• Anton Antonovich Skvoznik-Dmukhanovsky - the mayor, the main character of the play. He represents a typical official concerned only with his position and wealth. At the beginning of the play, he is alarmed by the news of the inspector's arrival and tries to hide his misconduct. By the end of the play, his exposure becomes inevitable.
• Ivan Alexandrovich Khlestakov - a young official from St. Petersburg, mistaken for the inspector. He is a frivolous and irresponsible person who accidentally finds himself in the spotlight. Taking advantage of the situation, he deceives everyone and receives numerous bribes, but in the end, his deception is uncovered.
• Anna Andreyevna Skvoznik-Dmukhanovskaya - the mayor's wife. She is a vain and curious woman who dreams of a high society life. At the beginning of the play, she is concerned about the inspector's arrival but quickly becomes infatuated with Khlestakov, mistaking him for an important official.
• Marya Antonovna Skvoznik-Dmukhanovskaya - the mayor's daughter. A young and naive girl who also falls under Khlestakov's charm. She dreams of marriage and a high society life, but by the end of the play, her illusions are shattered.
• Ammos Fyodorovich Lyapkin-Tyapkin - the judge. He is a corrupt and lazy official more interested in hunting than his work. At the beginning of the play, he tries to hide his misconduct from the inspector.
• Artemy Filippovich Zemlyanika - the warden of charitable institutions. He is a hypocritical and sly person who only cares about his own benefit. At the beginning of the play, he also tries to hide his misconduct from the inspector.
• Luka Lukich Khlopov - the school superintendent. He is a cowardly and indecisive person who fears losing his position. At the beginning of the play, he is also worried about the inspector's arrival and tries to hide his shortcomings.