Evsey Klimkov, a man defined by his profound sense of insignificance, finds himself drawn into the machinery of the Tsarist secret police as an informant. Driven by a desperate need for security and a lack of personal conviction, Evsey navigates the volatile political landscape of late 19th-century Russia. He is constantly opposed by the burgeoning revolutionary movements and his own internal paralysis, which prevents him from forming genuine human connections. The narrative is presented through a third-person perspective that emphasizes the protagonist's isolation and the oppressive atmosphere of a society on the brink of collapse.

Discussion often centers on Gorky's unflinching portrayal of a protagonist who lacks traditional heroic qualities, making him a polarizing figure for readers. Critics frequently highlight the novel's effectiveness in capturing the suffocating atmosphere of pre-revolutionary Russia through the eyes of an unlikely observer. Readers note that the pacing is deliberate and heavy, reflecting the protagonist's own stagnant life and internal confusion. The work is often cited for its contribution to the genre of social realism, providing a grim look at the cost of political betrayal. Many find the exploration of the 'useless man' archetype to be a significant critique of the societal structures that produce such individuals.