the story tells of an emperor who cares for nothing but new clothes. he hires two swindlers who promise him the finest suit of clothes. it will be made from a fabric invisible to anyone who is unfit for his position or "hopelessly stupid". the emperor's ministers cannot see the clothing, but pretend that they can for fear of appearing unfit for their positions. the emperor does the same. finally the swindlers report that the suit is finished. they pretend to dress emperor. he marches in procession before his subjects. the townsfolk play along with the pretense. then a child in the crowd cries out that the emperor is wearing nothing at all. the cry is taken up by others. the emperor cringes, but holds his head high and continues the procession.