In the Chinese province of Zhejiang, during the Revolution of 1911, Ah Q, a poor peasant, faces his employer's wrath after seducing the man's maid. Beaten and expelled from the farm wearing nothing but a pair of trousers, he heads to the city and joins a band of thieves. By stealing clothes and selling them upon his return to the village, he manages to make money and become wealthy. Years later, he attempts to support the revolution, but is ultimately arrested and executed.