Russian writers have been writing this unusual novel for almost one hundred and fifty years. But they never finished writing it, because its main character kept trying to elude the writer’s keen eye, changed color and, in the words of Saltykov-Shchedrin, silently crawled “from one period of history to another.” Today, having re-read the classics, we can recreate something completely unusual a collective work that has come down to us in fragments, sketches and short chapters. Zagoretsky, Molchalin, Shprikh, Chichikov, Glumov, Opiskin, Balalaikin, Tarelkin, Ochumelov, Nevzorov, Gulyachkin, Podsekalnikov, Pobedonosikov, Momentalnikov... What unites these seemingly minor characters of great creations, are the opportunists and changelings of different times so invisible and safe? No, no and NO! They are from the same rotten root, this foul-smelling family has spoiled the lives of many generations of decent people, and sometimes played a tragic role in their fate. Under the banner of good intentions and servility, veneration, conciliation and spiritual betrayal, these chameleons not only look for and find a warm place for themselves and a plate of cabbage soup, but also give rise to the evil of permissiveness and impunity. Gloomy-Burcheev, the Benefactor, the Elder Brother appear where and when they meet kneeling silent performers, in whose eyes they read the eternal question “What do you want?” This book is about scoundrels in Russian classical literature of the 19th and 20th centuries, but a thoughtful reader has the right to multiply the despicable series by turning to world classics and modern works. And, according to the author of the book, he should carefully look around him. Are there any representatives of the chameleon family somewhere nearby? Times and morals change, but these characters are tenacious and successfully adapt to all changes, quietly and persistently declaring their appetites. Alas, our time is also very suitable for them...