The play follows the character of Monsieur de Pourceaugnac, a wealthy but foolish provincial nobleman, who travels to Paris in order to marry a woman named Julie. However, Julie is in love with another man, and her family, seeking to prevent the marriage, devises a plan to thwart Pourceaugnac’s intentions. They convince him that he is being targeted by a series of comical and exaggerated obstacles.The plot develops as the family and friends of Julie conspire to make Pourceaugnac believe that he is under constant threat, from both physical and supernatural forces. His inability to see through the ruse leads to a series of humorous situations and misunderstandings, as he becomes increasingly paranoid and confused. Meanwhile, Julie and her true love, Eraste, work to find a way to free her from the unwanted marriage.