Ostap Bender is a fictional character created by Russian authors Ilya Ilf and Evgeny Petrov. He is the protagonist of the novels The Twelve Chairs and The Little Golden Calf, first published in the 1920s. Bender is a charming con artist known for his wit and clever schemes, often seeking wealth and a better life in post-revolutionary Soviet Russia. Bender's adventures typically involve humorous encounters with various characters as he attempts to find a hidden treasure: a set of twelve chairs that contain valuable items. His character embodies the spirit of the time, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of ordinary people in a rapidly changing society.