The tragedy takes place in the Netherlands, in Brussels, in 1567-1568, although in the play the events of these years unfold for several weeks.

In the city square, the townspeople compete in archery, they are joined by a soldier from Egmont’s army, he easily defeats everyone and treats himself to wine at his own expense. From the conversation between the townspeople and the soldier we learn that the Netherlands are ruled by Margarita of Parma, who makes decisions with a constant eye on her brother, King of Spain Philip. The people of Flanders love and support their governor Count Egmont, a glorious commander who has won victories more than once. In addition, he is much more tolerant of the preachers of a new religion, which penetrates the country from neighboring Germany. Despite all the efforts of Margarita of Parma, the new faith finds many supporters among the simple population, tired of the oppression and exactions of Catholic priests, from constant wars.

In the palace, Margarita of Parma, together with her secretary, Machiavelli, compiles a report to Philip about the unrest occurring in Flanders, mainly on religious grounds. In order to decide on further action, she convened a council to which the governors of the Dutch provinces should come.

In the same city, in a modest burgher’s house, the girl Clara lives with her mother. From time to time, a neighbor, Brackenburg, comes to them. He is clearly in love with Clara, but she has long been accustomed to his affection and perceives him, rather, as a brother. Recently, her life has undergone major changes, Count Egmont himself began to visit their house. He noticed Klara as he drove along their street accompanied by his soldiers and everyone greeted him. When Egmont suddenly appeared with them, the girl finally lost her head because of him. Mother so hoped that her Clairchen would marry the respectable Brackenburg and be happy, but now she understands that she has not saved her daughter, who is just waiting for the evening to come and her hero appears, in which now the whole meaning of her life appears.

Earl Egmont is busy with his secretary analyzing his correspondence. Here are letters from ordinary soldiers asking to pay a salary, and complaints from soldiers' widows that they have nothing to feed their children. There are complaints of soldiers who have abused a simple girl, the daughter of an innkeeper. In all cases, Egmont offers a simple and fair solution. A letter from Count Oliva came from Spain. A worthy old man advises Egmont to be careful. His openness and reckless actions will not bring to good. But for a brave commander, freedom and justice are paramount, and therefore it is difficult for him to be careful.

The Prince of Orange arrives, he reports that the Duke of Alba, known for his "bloodthirstiness", is heading from Spain to Flanders. The prince advises Egmont to retire to his province and gain a foothold there; he himself will do just that. He also warns the count that in Brussels he faces death, but he does not believe him. To distract from sad thoughts, Egmont goes to his beloved Claerchen. Today, at the request of the girl, he came to her in the dress of a knight of the Golden Fleece. Claerhan is happy, she sincerely loves Egmont, and he answers her the same.

Meanwhile, Margarita of Parma, who also learned about the arrival of the Duke of Alba, abdicates the throne and leaves the country. Arriving in Brussels with the troops of the Spanish king Alba. Now, by his decree, it is forbidden for citizens to gather in the streets. Even if two people are noticed together, they will immediately be imprisoned for incitement. The governor of the Spanish king sees a conspiracy everywhere. But his main opponents are the Prince of Orange and Count Egmont. He invited them to the Kulenburg Palace, where he prepared a trap for them. After a meeting with him, his officers will arrest them. Among the close associates of Alba and his illegitimate son Ferdinand. The young man is fascinated by Egmont, his nobility and ease of communication, his heroism and courage, but he is not able to contradict the plans of his father. Shortly before the start of the audience, a messenger from Antwerp brings a letter from the Prince of Orange, who, on a plausible excuse, refuses to arrive in Brussels. Egmont appears, he is calm. He responds to all Alba's claims about the unrest in the Netherlands with courtesy, but at the same time, his judgments about the events are quite independent. The Count takes care of the welfare of his people, their independence. He warns Alba that the king is following the wrong path, trying to "trample into the ground" the people who are devoted to him, they are counting on his support and protection. The duke is incapable of understanding Egmont, he orders him to arrest the king, selects the count’s personal weapons, and the guards take him to prison.

Upon learning of the fate of his beloved, Clairechen is unable to stay at home. She rushes into the street and urges the townspeople to pick up a weapon and release Count Egmont. The townspeople only look at her sympathetically and disperse in fear. Brackenburg takes Claerchen home.

Earl Egmont, who for the first time in his life lost his freedom, is seriously worried about his arrest. On the one hand, recalling the warnings of friends, he feels that death is somewhere nearby, and he, unarmed, is not able to defend himself. On the other hand, deep down he hopes that Oransky will nevertheless come to his rescue or the people will make an attempt to free him.

The court of the king unanimously pronounces a sentence on Egmont - the death penalty. Clarehen learns about this. She is tormented by the thought that she is not able to help her powerful lover. A man from the city of Brackenburg reports that all the streets were filled with soldiers of the king, and a scaffold was being erected on the market square. Realizing that Egmont will inevitably be killed, Claerchen steals poison from Brackenburg, drinks it, lays down in bed and dies. Her last request is to take care of an aging mother.

An officer of Alba informs Egmont of the decision of the royal court. Count beheaded at dawn. Together with the officer, the son of Alba, Ferdinand, came to say goodbye to Egmont. Left alone with the count, the young man admits that all his life he considered Egmont his hero. And now he is bitterly aware that he cannot help his idol in any way: his father foresaw everything, leaving no opportunity for Egmont's release. Then the count asks Ferdinand to take care of Clarehen.

The prisoner is left alone, he falls asleep, and in a dream Claerchen appears to him, who crowns him with the laurel wreath of the winner. Having woken up, the count palpates his head, but there is nothing on it. Dawn is dawning, the sounds of victorious music are heard, and Egmont is sent to meet the guards who have come to lead him to execution.