Dead Souls: who's who, timeline and places
Everyone in Dead Souls, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.
- Paul Ivanovitch ChichikovChichikov is a traveler who questions townspeople closely and wins local approval through careful flattery.First seen in chapter 2
- SelifanSelifan is one of Chichikov's companions when he arrives at the inn in N.First seen in chapter 2
- PetrushkaPetrushka accompanies Chichikov and Selifan when they arrive at the inn in N.First seen in chapter 2
- ManilovManilov is a welcoming landowner whose affectionate household suffers from neglect and unfinished plans.First seen in chapter 3
- SobakevitchSobakevitch is the intended destination of Chichikov's journey after his visit to Manilov.First seen in chapter 3
- Nastasia Petrovna KorobotchkaKorobotchka is a widow who shelters Chichikov and bargains over the sale of her dead peasants.First seen in chapter 4
- NozdrevNozdrev is a boastful landowner known for gambling, dishonesty, quarrels, and reckless spending.First seen in chapter 5
- PlushkinPlushkin is a landowner whose neglect of his peasants is described by Sobakevitch.First seen in chapter 6
- Anna GrigorievnaAnna Grigorievna is a woman who invents and spreads a story about Chichikov planning an abduction.First seen in chapter 10
- Andrei Ivanovitch TientietnikovTientietnikov is an idle estate owner whose ambitions contrast with his unsuccessful attempts at managing his land.First seen in chapter 13
- The GeneralThe General is Ulinka's father, whose poor opinion of Tientietnikov Chichikov tries to change.First seen in chapter 14
- Platon MikhalitchPlaton is a wealthy but bored man whom Chichikov persuades to travel with him.First seen in chapter 15
- Constantine Thedorovitch KostanzhogloKostanzhoglo is a landowner whose productive estate contrasts with Pietukh's extravagant way of living.First seen in chapter 15
- Peter Petrovitch PietukhPietukh is a lavish host who presses food on guests despite having mortgaged his entire estate.First seen in chapter 15
- Chapter 2
Chichikov arrives in N., questions the waiter, and wins invitations by flattering local officials.
- Chapter 3
Manilov agrees to give Chichikov deceased serfs still recorded as living and cover the legal costs.
- Chapter 4
After a storm forces Chichikov to seek shelter, Korobotchka agrees to sell him her dead peasants.
- Chapter 5
Chichikov meets Nozdrev at a tavern and accepts an invitation to visit his estate.
- Chapter 6
Sobakevitch bargains hard over dead peasants and tells Chichikov about Plushkin's neglected estate.
- Chapter 7
Chichikov agrees to assume taxes on Plushkin's dead serfs and also pays for runaways.
- Chapter 8
With help from friendly officials, Chichikov registers his purchases and celebrates at a feast.
- Chapter 9
Chichikov offends women at the Governor's ball, and Nozdrev publicly mentions his purchases of dead peasants.
- Chapter 10
Two women turn reports of Chichikov's purchases into an abduction rumor that alarms the town.
- Chapter 11
Officials debate wild explanations of Chichikov's business, while he eventually hears the accusations and prepares to leave.
- Chapter 12
Chichikov leaves town after repairs and a funeral delay, and the account turns to his childhood.
- Chapter 13
The narrator introduces Tientietnikov and traces his disappointed ambitions and unsuccessful efforts to manage his estate.
- Chapter 14
Chichikov improves the General's opinion of Tientietnikov and obtains his agreement to give dead souls and land.
- Chapter 15
Chichikov visits Pietukh by mistake, persuades Platon to travel with him, and reaches Kostanzhoglo's productive estate.
- Chapter 16
Chichikov inspects Khlobuev's neglected estate, agrees to buy it, and makes an initial payment.
Hidden until you have read that far.
- N.N. is the provincial town where Chichikov arrives and gains entry to local society.First seen in chapter 2
- The innThe inn is Chichikov's lodging when he arrives in N. with Selifan and Petrushka.First seen in chapter 2
- ManilovkaManilovka is the destination where Chichikov arrives to visit Manilov after asking directions.First seen in chapter 3
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