The Judge Character Analysis

Ammos Fyodorovich Lyapkin-Tyapkin is the judge. He’s pompous and solemn, and he considers himself an intellectual. The judge has received an award for his long service in office, but he is corrupt, incompetent, and neglectful of his duties, just like the other town officials. He openly admits to taking bribes, and he can’t make sense of court records. He cares more about his hobbies—hunting and raising hunting dogs—than his job. Additionally, he uses the courthouse as a place to kennel his dogs and store his personal belongings. According to the Warden of Charities, the judge is also carrying on a long-term affair with Dobchinsky’s wife. Despite his many misdeeds, the judge is the least concerned about the government inspector’s arrival, because he’s confident the inspector won’t investigate the courts. Still, the judge becomes anxious to impress Khlestakov, and nervously bribes Khlestakov to ensure that the courts won’t be inspected.