Chapter: 03. The Overcoat
Character Profiles: Traits and Relationships
1. Akaky Akakievich
Physical: Short, pock-marked, red-haired, short-sighted, bald forehead, wrinkled cheeks, sanguine (reddish-brown) complexion. Devoted & Meticulous: Lives “entirely for his duties,” labors with “love” at copying documents, finding “varied and agreeable employment.” Never makes a single mistake. Meek & Submissive: Rarely speaks up, tolerates ridicule silently, accepts orders without question, and is easily discouraged (“utterly discouraged” by Petrovich’s refusal to mend). Unassuming & Simple: Indifferent to his appearance (wears a “rusty, muddy colour” uniform), finds gratification in copying even for himself, and smiles at the thought of copying the next day. Determined & Frugal: Once committed to buying a new overcoat, he exhibits extreme discipline and self-sacrifice, curtailing all expenses (no tea, no candles, walking on tiptoe to save shoes, wearing a cotton dressing-gown at home). Transformative Joy: The new overcoat brings him an unprecedented sense of pride and happiness, momentarily elevating his spirit. With Colleagues (Young Officials): The object of their constant ridicule and childish pranks (throwing paper, jogging his hand). He largely ignores them, reflecting his isolation. With Superiors: Treated “coolly despotic” and dismissively. They interact with him only to assign tasks, highlighting his low status and their indifference. With Petrovich (The Tailor): Initiates a professional relationship for a repair, which evolves into a collaborative one for a new coat. Akaky is dependent on Petrovich’s skill and expertise, while Petrovich takes professional pride in his work for Akaky. With Landlady: A purely transactional relationship; he uses her light to save on candles. 2. Petrovich (The Tailor)
Physical: One-eyed, pock-marked face. Skilled Craftsman: Known for successfully repairing clothes; later demonstrates high skill and meticulousness in making the new overcoat (“sewed with silk,” “double seams,” inspecting with teeth). Assertive & Professional: Firmly tells Akaky his old coat is beyond repair and insists on a new one, stating the high price with “barbarous composure.” Temperamental: Success often depends on whether he is “sober and not nursing some other scheme in his head.” Proud: Takes immense pride in his work, especially in creating a new garment, seeing himself as elevated beyond mere repairmen (“crossed a gulf”). With Akaky Akakievich: The primary professional service provider for Akaky’s overcoat. He is the catalyst for Akaky’s long saving process and the creator of his most prized possession. He takes visible pride in his craftsmanship for Akaky. With Other Officials: Generally known for his repair work for various officials. 3. Young Officials (Akaky’s Colleagues)
Cruel & Insensitive: They find amusement in tormenting Akaky, showing a lack of empathy for his quiet suffering. Childish: Their pranks (throwing paper, jogging his hand) are petty and disruptive. With Akaky Akakievich: Tormentors and bullies. They view him as an object of ridicule, reinforcing his social isolation. 4. Superiors / Sub-chiefs
Authoritarian & Impersonal: Treat Akaky “coolly despotic” and dismissively, simply thrusting papers at him without pleasantries. Uncaring: They are indifferent to Akaky as a person, seeing him only as a functionary. With Akaky Akakievich: Authority figures who exploit his diligence without acknowledging his humanity, representing the oppressive bureaucracy. 
Character Profile