The titan Prometheus faces eternal punishment at the hands of Zeus for defying the divine order by gifting fire to humanity. Prometheus is chained to a remote crag in the Caucasus Mountains, where he endures the physical torment of his captivity while maintaining his intellectual defiance against the new ruler of the gods. He is visited by various mythological figures, including Oceanus and Io, who serve as conduits for the play's exploration of power, suffering, and the nature of tyranny. The narrative unfolds through a series of dialogues that contrast the static, suffering protagonist with the shifting perspectives of his visitors. The play operates within the rigid constraints of classical Greek tragedy, utilizing a formal structure that emphasizes rhetorical debate over physical action.

Discussion often centers on the stark portrayal of Zeus as an uncompromising autocrat and the moral ambiguity of Prometheus's rebellion. Readers frequently highlight the play's intense focus on the psychological state of the protagonist despite his physical immobility. Critics often examine the structural simplicity of the work, noting how the limited cast of characters allows for a concentrated exploration of philosophical themes. Many readers appreciate the enduring relevance of the conflict between the individual and the state, which remains a primary point of analysis in academic and theatrical circles.