A landowner in his thirties, active, a gambler, a braggart, and a brawler. Chichikov first encounters Nozdrev at the governor/prosecutor's party in town, but is not particularly bothered by his coarse energy. That is, until he meets his brother-in-law, Mizhuev, on the way to his estate and is forced to invite himself to his home. Nozdrev is someone who constantly wanders through fairs and gambling tables, losing everything in his wallet (and sometimes even his horses and carriage). He is a character with a boundless, cheerful appearance but a pathological liar, making it his mission to sell or trade everything he owns at the expense of others. Instead of giving the dead souls to Chichikov for free or for money, he forces him into a situation where he must win them in backgammon, checkers, or cards (by cheating). Eventually, a deal is struck; as Nozdrev tries to have his servants beat Chichikov, a police raid occurs by chance.
He has been married and had children, but even while his wife was alive, he spent his life in markets with gambling and drinking, either leaving home or neglecting them. He appears to have countless friends, but all these friendships end in a fight. Although his own servants do not take him very seriously, they are wary of his stick.
He is a man of medium height, well-built, with coal-black sideburns, full red cheeks, snow-white teeth, and a robust and lively presence. There is a disheveled yet healthy ostentation about him, often seen with a bare chest, a long pipe, and walking around either in a dressing gown or in sloppy civilian/military attire.
Çiçikof
While calling him a swindler, he actually sees himself in him; he tries to forcibly detain him like a toy and seize his money.
Mijuyef (Enişte)
His spineless lackey, whom he keeps close but pushes and shoves around.