Prostakov Mitrofan Terentyevich - the main character of the comedy "Undergrowth". Fonvizin D. I. talks about the only son of the landowners Prostakov, whose development stalled at the stage of studying arithmetic and literacy for four years. Lazy, arrogant, cruel and stupid sissy, moreover, an ignoramus, is not against marrying a rich bride who is much smarter, more decent and competent than him.
The reader finds himself in the village of the landowners Prostakovs, from where Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin begins his story. "Undergrowth" (a brief summary of the comedy) first tells of the fitting by mothers to their son, a caftan sewn by serf Trishka. The robe turns out to be small, the servant makes excuses.
I’m updating to the rite of conspiracy Skotinin (Prostakova’s brother) with an orphan Sophia, a pupil of the landowners. When the girl’s father died, they decided to “keep an eye” on the estate remaining in her inheritance. Moreover, the bride does not even suggest such a development. Her only relative, Uncle Starodum, who could protect her from such arbitrariness, knows where she is and cannot help. Thus, intriguing the reader, begins Fonvizin "Undergrowth". The summary tells us that Uncle still found Sophia, and she received a letter from him on the eve of the matchmaking.
Prostakova is annoyed by this event, as she did not expect Starodum to be alive. In the message, the uncle informs Sofya that he bequeaths to her all his property, which brings great income. This fact led to the landowner's firm decision to marry his son Mitrofanushka, a young man. Fonvizin shows not only the thirst for Prostakova’s money, but also her ignorance. After all, she could not study the contents of the letter, because she could not read.
Skotinin also has his own plans for a wealthy heiress who wants to take possession of her property. However, he does not know about the idea of his sister.
Did Fonvizin marry an orphan? The summary continues with the advent of new characters. Through the estate follows a company of soldiers led by officer Milon, who unexpectedly meets his friend Pravdin. He is a member of the viceroy committee and talks about the malevolent ignoramuses in the person of Prostakovs who mistreat people.
What twists of fate prepared for the heroes Denis Ivanovich Fonvizin? "Undergrowth" (a brief summary of the comedy) further surprises with a pleasant turn of events. From Pravdin, Milon learns about the idea of the greedy Prostakova. It turns out that the officer and Sophia have long been in love with each other, and he has been looking for her for about a year.
Suddenly, lovers meet, they are filled with a sense of joy. Sophia announces the upcoming wedding, and Milon begins to be jealous of her. When he learned more about his rival, he calmed down. And, having met with Mitrofanushka, the officer sees how insignificant his essence is. This is also indicated by the teachers of the mother's son, Tsyfirkin and Kuteykin, explaining his ignorance by the reluctance to study.
The arrival of Starodub continued the action of the comedy Fonvizin. "Undergrowth" (short summary) tells that before meeting with the landowners, Uncle Sophia talks with Pravdin and praises the time of Peter the Great. Prostakova interrupts their conversation with Skotinin, who are fighting. Milon is trying to separate them at this time. Having recognized Starodub as a stranger, the landowner calms down and begins to please him in order to agree on a planned wedding.
But the uncle promises the next day to take away and marry Sophia for a certain young man. This makes the girl discouraged, then Starodub gives the right to choose the groom herself, returning hope to her niece.
Prostakova praises Mitrofanushka, telling how smart he is and how expensive she pays to his teachers. Teachers are sad, because in fact, the process of obtaining knowledge cannot be called successful. At her request to demonstrate her knowledge, the son declares that he does not want to study, but wants to get married.
Milon asks Starodub for Sofia’s hands, and he happily agrees when he sees a worthy groom. Denying Prostakova and Skotinin in their intentions to conspire with Sophia, his uncle announces the departure the next morning. But the lady is not going to abandon the plan.
How did Fonvizin "Undergrowth" finish? The summary tells us that Prostakova is forcibly trying to drag Sophia into a carriage in order to take her away and marry her son. Milon frees his bride, the kidnapper repents, and she is forgiven. Pravdin by decree of the government takes custody of the house and the village of Prostakovs. Skotinin leaves, teachers dissolve, Mitrofan sent to the service.