The novel revolves around the relationship between Nekhldoff, a Russian landlord, and Máslova, a prostitute whose life took a sharp turn for the worse after Nekhldoff wronged her ten years before the course of the story. After sitting on the jury for a sentencing hearing in which Máslova is charged with poisoning a merchant, Nekhldoff begins to realize the harm he has inflicted on Máslova—as well as the harm inflicted by the Russian state and society on the poor and marginalized—as he embarks on a desire to alleviate Máslova's suffering.