V.K. Trediakovsky, criticizing the tragedy of A.P. Sumarokov “Khorev”, draws attention to the character of one of its heroes, Kiy, whom Trediakovsky calls “hypochondriac”. Those features that the critic probably invested in the definition of a hypochondriac are also represented in the image of another character Sumarokov: in the tragedy “Semira” they are found in Oleg, who also performs the function of a ruler. A comparison of these heroes allows us to establish that Sumarokov not only does not avoid the traits criticized by Trediakovsky, but also develops the created model, improves the image of the hypochondriac ruler. The special psychological certainty that this hero characterizes can be explained by the autopsychological principle of this character.