(279 words) The main character of the work, Pavel Ivanovich Chichikov, is an ambiguous personality. The author conceived him as a person who is not like the others, so he is smarter and more cunning than other characters. Chichikov in the poem is needed not to ridicule the vices, but rather, as the missing link with which the characters of other heroes are revealed. However, Gogol describes in detail his childhood to us, so that we can better understand what life values Chichikov took with him into adulthood.
The main character finds a common language with everyone, everyone invites him to the house and listens. Through conversation, Gogol reveals the "dead" soul of the landowners, points to their shortcomings. With each Chichikov speaks in a manner peculiar to that. Adapting, like a chameleon, to the landowners, he exposes them. To determine the vices in which Russia is mired, according to Nikolai Vasilievich, you need to familiarize yourself with each of the landlords, to determine their main drawback.
So, Manilov personifies the idleness and laziness of high society, mired in unrealistic plans. He constantly argues and says that it would be good, but he does nothing. His character is a sarcastic version of Oblomov, who just lies and dreams of something that he will never do.
The box becomes a reflection of the stupidity and greed of the landlords, obsessed with self-interest. But even her housekeeping and prudence become useless, because she saves, but does not spend money, that is, income is an end in itself, and not a means for good deeds.
Nozdrev, Sobakevich and Plyushkin personify debauchery, rudeness and greed. They live with their vices and are not going to change anything. The author also uses speaking surnames to better reflect the essence of each of the characters presented.
In all the heroes of the poem we do not notice anything positive, their flaws are too great. They irresponsibly and meaninglessly live their lives, devaluing the work of the peasants and profiting from Russia, giving nothing in return. This is what the writer condemns the most.
