Nikolai Petrovich is a character from the short story "The Overcoat" by Nikolai Gogol. He is a low-ranking government clerk in Saint Petersburg, known for his humble and unremarkable life. Petrovich's primary concern is his worn-out overcoat, which symbolizes his social status and struggles. Throughout the story, Petrovich's life takes a turn when he acquires a new overcoat, leading to a brief period of happiness. However, his joy is short-lived, as he faces tragic consequences that highlight themes of social injustice and the human condition in 19th-century Russia.