“The Inspector is coming—incognito… and with secret instructions!”
Act 1
The play opens in a small provincial Russian town where the corrupt officials, led by the Mayor (Anton Antonovich), receive alarming news: a government inspector is arriving incognito to investigate them. Panic ensues as the officials scramble to cover up their misdeeds—bribery, embezzlement, and neglect of public duties.
Meanwhile, a penniless young clerk from St. Petersburg, Khlestakov, arrives at the local inn. Mistaken for the feared inspector, he is lavished with bribes, fine food, and flattery. The Mayor even invites him to stay at his home, where Khlestakov enjoys the absurd adoration.
Act 2
Khlestakov, initially confused, soon realizes the mistake and decides to exploit it. He spins outrageous lies about his importance in the capital, claiming friendships with ministers and even the Tsar. The townspeople, desperate to appease him, offer him money and favors.
He flirts shamelessly with both the Mayor’s wife and daughter, even proposing to the daughter, Marya, to the delight of her status-hungry parents. The officials, terrified of exposure, continue bribing him while he revels in his accidental power.
Act 3
Khlestakov’s lies grow more extravagant—he boasts of writing famous operas and commanding armies. The townspeople, blinded by fear and ambition, believe every word. Meanwhile, his servant Osip urges him to leave before the deception unravels.
After writing a mocking letter to a friend in St. Petersburg (revealing the truth about the fools in town), Khlestakov departs abruptly, claiming a short visit to his uncle. The Mayor and officials celebrate, believing they’ve escaped disaster.
Act 4
The Postmaster, having intercepted Khlestakov’s letter, exposes the hoax. The Mayor is furious and humiliated, realizing he’s been tricked by a nobody. The officials turn on each other, blaming their collective greed and stupidity.
As chaos erupts, a gendarme arrives with shocking news: the real government inspector has just arrived and demands an immediate meeting. The play ends in frozen horror as the characters stare at the audience in a silent tableau.
Key ideas
- Satire of bureaucratic corruption and incompetence.
- Exploration of human greed and self-deception.
- Critique of social hierarchies and blind authority.
- The absurdity of power when based on fear rather than merit.
- Universal themes of deception and moral decay.
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1949 | The Inspector General (film) | Danny Kaye musical adaptation. |
| 1996 | Revizor (film) | Russian modernized version. |
| 2019 | The Government Inspector (play) | London revival with gender-swapped cast. |
Who should read this book?
- Fans of sharp political and social satire.
- Readers interested in Russian literature and 19th-century drama.
- Those who enjoy dark comedies about human folly.
- Students of theater exploring classic farce.