One night, Paul I is awakened by the cry of an aide-de-camp who has just been caught by his mistress. To prevent him from being punished by the Tsar, Count Pahlen invents a culprit thanks to a clerical error: his ‘et Coetera’ (Kijé) at the end of a list is taken for a proper name.
Sent to Siberia under heavy guard, Lieutenant Kijé is pardoned and orders are given to bring him back to court. It is impossible to reveal the deception to the Tsar, whose irascible and unpredictable character is a constant threat. This phantom lieutenant then enjoys a successful career, as the Tsar takes an interest in him and ensures his promotion. He is even married off. The Tsar eventually asks to see him. Pahlen is forced to report the death of General Kijé. The aide-de-camp takes the opportunity to accuse him of stealing a sum of money. Enraged, the Tsar orders that the deceased general be stripped of his rank and sent to the foot soldiers.
