It was written as part of Goldoni's fulfilment of a boast that he had inserted into the epilogue to one of his plays that for the next season he would write sixteen comedies.

The Liar, along with the fifteen other comedies, was staged in the 1750–51 season at the Teatro San Angelo in Venice.

He courts the two daughters of Doctor Balanzone, Beatrice and Rosaura, without telling them which one he really loves.

This allows Lelio to concoct fabulous lies and convince Rosaura that he wishes to marry her.

At the end, it is revealed that while in Rome he married a Roman lady, Cleonice Anselmi.