Gogol was a Ukrainian writer from the early 19th century. This satirical play was published in 1836. This comedy of errors portrays greed, stupidity and corruption in Tzarist Russia. The Inspector General is original in that it involves no sympathetic characters and no romance. The plot centers around a small town and its mayor. It is feared an inspector is in their midst incognito. There is much activity trying to cover up past misdeeds.