Pavel I, deemed a tyrant, hides a tragic depth. His alienated mother, quest for his father's killer shaped him. As emperor, he aimed to curb nobility's excess and improve serfs' lives but faced challenges retaining power.
Pavel I is called a tyrant and even a madman, but his character and history are much deeper than the mask that his descendants undeservedly bestowed on him. His mother's alienation, rejection of the court and endless attempts to figure out who and why really killed his father formed a deeply tragic personality. Having become emperor after many years of waiting, Pavel sought to get rid of the permissiveness of the nobility and improve the lives of serfs and ordinary soldiers. However, will he be able to realize his plans and retain power?