[1][2] Based on Alexander Pushkin's 1825 play Boris Godunov,[3] the story opens from the scene of the murder in Uglich of the young heir to the Russian throne by unknown persons.

Boris Godunov is persuaded to accept the remaining vacant throne, despite his doubts.

Behind the king's back is the secret, covert struggle of several boyar factions for dominance under the new government.

After a conversation with Pimen, he learns the secret of the murder runs from the monastery and decides to try to come to power.

Invalid individual choice or a karmic mistake can lead to a chain of fatal events.