Programmer Prince Myshkin returns to his historical homeland from Switzerland, where he was undergoing treatment in a psychiatric clinic. On the bus, the prince meets businessman Parfen Rogozhin, who is suffering from lovesickness for Nastasya Filippovna.

People from all over the area and even from all over the country come to Maximilian, who lives in a quiet rural area, for advice. Maximilian is known as a prophet and sorcerer. For example, he is able to give out the methodology for the election campaign. This is why a candidate for deputy named Kutergin comes to him. Here he organizes proper work to receive the population. Disappointed with such a life, Maximilian climbs onto an iron cage in a field and waits for a revelation, a conversation with the Lord. He is declared a stylite; Hare Krishnas, communists, democrats and other crazy people come from all over. And Maximilian suddenly realizes that he must return to the city to his wife, to whom he promised five years ago that he would quit drinking, and leaves his “pillar”. Maximilian left, and his place was taken by Kutergin, who believed in the miracle.