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Akakiy Akakievitch 

A low-ranking official of an unnamed department and the story’s protagonist. Akakievitch is bald and usually appears filthy and shabby. He loves to copy his official documents and seems to want nothing else in this life. He pays little attention to the world around him and has trouble speaking to others. He is thus often unable to finish his own sentences. His impoverished life has instilled a tendency to avoid other people. Akakievitch lives a solitary life until he is forced to interact with others.

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The Prominent Personage

A well-off citizen with whom Akakievitch pleads for help. This prominent figure is never directly named but is described as having an air of superiority. He looks down on Akakievitch and anyone else beneath him in the social order. Conversely, his confidence is shaken by people of a higher rank. Despite his harsh manner, the prominent personage feels some guilt for treating people badly.

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Petrovitch the tailor 

A one-eyed tailor, Petrovitch is a moody alcoholic but is helpful to Akakievitch. When Petrovitch is drunk, he tends to charge less money for his work. When he is sober, he tends to be irritable, and thus he charges far more to stitch up garments. Petrovitch takes pride in his work despite his unpredictable mannerisms.

The sub-chief

An official from Akakievitch’s office who throws a party to celebrate Akakievitch’s new cloak. This sub-chief is obligated to throw the party for his inferior due to his own fragile social standing.

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