The play is about a petty official Khlestakov, who does not stand out for anything special. He is traveling from St. Petersburg on business with his servant, they stop in one county town, where there was a rumor that the inspector will visit the city soon. Khlestakov, by chance and human imprudence, is mistaken for an auditor who decided to remain incognito. From that moment, all city officials are looking for an opportunity to stay in good standing, give him a bribe so that nothing bad happens.