The book is a satirical critique of the nobility in 19th century Russia, focusing on the titular character, a lazy and apathetic nobleman who prefers to daydream and live in his own fantasies rather than engage with the real world. His indolence is contrasted with the energetic and ambitious character of his friend who tries to get him involved in societal affairs and business. The protagonist's lethargy and inability to adapt to changing times symbolize the decay and stagnation of the Russian nobility.

This novel is a profound exploration of the human psyche through the eyes of a bitter and isolated retired civil servant living in St. Petersburg. The protagonist, a self-proclaimed "sick" and "spiteful" man, delves into his past experiences and personal philosophies in a series of rambling and often contradictory monologues. His existential musings touch on themes such as free will, determinism, and the nature of human action, often challenging the prevailing ideologies of his time. The narrative provides a deep and unsettling insight into the darker aspects of human consciousness.

The narrative centers on a meek and downtrodden government clerk living in St. Petersburg, whose life is consumed by the desire to replace his threadbare overcoat. After much sacrifice, he finally acquires a new overcoat, which momentarily elevates his social standing and brings him brief joy. However, his triumph is short-lived as the overcoat is stolen, plunging him back into misery. The clerk's desperate attempts to recover his lost garment ultimately lead to his untimely death, and his ghost is said to haunt the city, searching for the stolen overcoat, in a tale that intertwines the tragic with the absurd, and critiques the indifference of society to the plight of its less fortunate members.

The narrative unfolds on the bustling Nevsky Prospekt in Saint Petersburg, where the lives of two men intersect amidst the avenue's deceptive allure. One man, a romantic artist, becomes infatuated with a beautiful woman who is not what she seems, leading to a disillusioning revelation. The other, a pragmatic German, pursues a seemingly modest seamstress with tragic consequences. Through these parallel tales of love and illusion, the story offers a satirical and poignant exploration of the superficiality and transient nature of urban life, revealing the stark contrast between the glittering facade of the city and the grim reality of its inhabitants' lives.