Nikolai Gogol is a sadistic and theatrical individual, often speaking in exaggerated tones and posing questions, frequently framed as rhetorical “quizzes” or threats. His flair for drama and unpredictability is matched by his skill in deception, as demonstrated when he disguised himself as Tonan’s secretary. During his encounter with Atsushi Nakajima, Gogol displayed great joy in fighting and tormenting him, using his ability to trap Atsushi’s leg inside his coat and leaving it in a separate dimension on the floor.

Gogol’s eccentric persona hints at underlying complexities. He acknowledges that the sadistic side of him, devoid of remorse for killing, is as genuine as the side that feels guilt and recognizes the cruelty of his actions. This duality is reflected in his desire to “soar as freely as birds do,” symbolizing his longing for liberation from the weight of his conscience. Despite his capacity for guilt, Gogol appears to harbor no ill will toward Fyodor Dostoevsky, whom he affectionately nicknames “Dostoy.”

Nikolai Gogol has striking features that reflect his eccentric personality. He has white, layered hair swept to the left side of his face, complemented by a long braid that typically rests on his right shoulder. A vertical scar runs down his left eye, while his right eye appears vacant, lacking highlights and exuding an eerie emptiness. Over his right eye, he wears a distinctive card-styled mask or eye patch.

Gogol’s attire is as theatrical as his demeanor, resembling that of a circus ringmaster. He dons a black jacket, with the right side being solid black, paired with black-and-white striped trousers. His shirt features a ruffled, round collar resembling an elaborate loose turtleneck, and he wears dark gloves to complete the ensemble. His look is topped off with a diamond-patterned top hat, adding to his flamboyant and enigmatic appearance.

In addition to his usual outfit, Gogol has displayed his skills in disguise, once impersonating a police officer and later masquerading as Tonan’s secretary, showcasing his aptitude for deception and subterfuge.

Nikolai Gogol joined the Decay of the Angel in pursuit of his ultimate desire: to experience true freedom and liberation, unbound by the constraints of gravity or the limitations of societal norms. This longing for absolute freedom became the driving force behind his involvement with the organization, shaping his actions and motivations throughout his journey.

Nikolai Gogol’s ability, The Overcoat (外套, Gaitō, Russian: Шинель, Shinel), allows him to manipulate space using his coat as a portal. This ability enables him to relocate objects and living beings, as well as utilize a “pocket dimension” for storage. Through The Overcoat, Gogol can make items, such as his hand or a gun, appear in unrelated locations or summon objects like a pillar, holding it in the portal until releasing it at a later time.

The ability works on living beings as well. During his fight with Atsushi Nakajima, Gogol used The Overcoat to “sever” Atsushi’s leg by trapping it in a different space on the floor. Despite being physically separated, Atsushi could still move the leg and feel pain through it, highlighting the unique mechanics of the ability. The Overcoat has an operational range of up to 30 meters, making it a versatile and formidable tool in combat.

Nikolai Gogol possesses exceptional skill in disguise, enabling him to adopt identities and blend seamlessly into different roles without arousing suspicion. This talent was evident when he disguised himself as a police officer to approach the car containing Mushitarō Oguri, successfully bypassing any alert. His aptitude for deception is further demonstrated by his ability to maintain a long-term disguise as Tonan’s secretary for six months, showcasing his proficiency in concealing his true identity and manipulating situations to his advantage.

Nikolai Gogol embodies themes of chaos, absurdity, and existentialism in Bungo Stray Dogs. His ability, The Overcoat, and his flamboyant personality make him a unique and unpredictable figure within the series. As a former member of the Decay of the Angel, Nikolai’s actions and philosophical musings challenge both allies and enemies, leaving a lasting impact on the series’ exploration of morality, freedom, and identity.