Charles Pooter, a clerk living in the London suburbs, decides to document his mundane life in a diary, inadvertently revealing his own pomposity and social insecurities. Pooter strives to maintain a respectable middle-class existence while navigating the minor irritations of domestic life, including home improvement mishaps, social faux pas, and the rebellious behavior of his son, Lupin. The narrative is presented as a series of diary entries, providing a first-person perspective that highlights the gap between Pooter's self-perception and the reality of his often-ridiculous circumstances. He is frequently thwarted by his own lack of self-awareness and the unpredictable nature of his neighbors and acquaintances.

Readers and critics frequently identify this work as a foundational text in the genre of suburban satire. Discussion often centers on the balance between the protagonist's perceived dignity and the absurdity of his daily experiences. Many highlight the effectiveness of the diary format in creating a sense of intimacy while simultaneously allowing the reader to observe the protagonist's flaws from a distance. The work is widely recognized for its enduring influence on English humor and its ability to capture the anxieties of the middle class with precision. Critics often note that the text remains accessible despite its historical context, as the themes of social climbing and domestic frustration remain relevant to contemporary audiences.