The story in one page
The Governor of a remote provincial town panics upon learning a government inspector is arriving to investigate his administration. When two local gossips, Bobchinsky and Dobchinsky, spot a young man at the inn who refuses to pay his bill, the town immediately decides he is the undercover agent. The traveler, Khlestakov, is actually a lowly clerk who has lost his travel funds gambling. Sensing a windfall, he plays along, accepting 'loans' from the Judge and Zemlianika, while flirting with the Governor’s wife and daughter. Just as he skips town with their cash, the real inspector arrives, leaving the town officials frozen in a collective nightmare of impending accountability. The arrival of the authentic official ensures their past corruption will now be reviewed.
Who's who
- Ivan Aleksandrovich Khlestakov
A penniless minor official mistaken for a powerful imperial inspector.
- Anton Antonovich
The terrified Governor who attempts to bribe his way out of trouble.
- Osip
Khlestakov's servant who realizes the danger before his master does.
- Bobchinsky and Dobchinsky
Competitive local landowners who start the rumor of the inspector's arrival.
What it's really about
- Bureaucratic Corruption
- Public funds are diverted while officials scramble to hide their neglect.
- Social Paranoia
- Guilt makes every stranger look like a hidden judge.
Why it's memorable
- The Governor mistaking the sight of salmon on a plate for official scrutiny.
- The final silent scene where the entire cast freezes in a minute-long tableau of terror.
The ending, explained
Spoilers — show the ending
After Khlestakov escapes, the Postmaster reveals a letter where the 'inspector' mocks them all; moments later, a Gendarme announces the arrival of the real Imperial Inspector.
For your book club
- Whether Khlestakov is a brilliant con artist or simply lucky and opportunistic.
- The effectiveness of the silent finale in conveying the town's ultimate judgment.