An Actor Prepares is written to be autobiographical, depicting Stanislavski's acting experience. The main character, Kostya, is not necessarily the embodiment of Stanislavksi, but he studies from a master director who teaches Stanislavski's methods. The Director, Tortsov, instructs his students in the most renowned and prestigious manner of the day, which happens to be the culmination of Stanslavski's own experience in theater techniques. The story reads almost like a textbook.
In the beginning Kostya and his fellow classmates are awaiting the first class to begin. They are all university students, none of whom are experienced in theater. Nervous to be studying under the imposing authority figure of Tortsov, the students talk about their fears and expectations. As they progress through the class, they all develop their abilities and learn to really appreciate theater. After the semester finishes, they all gather once more to reminisce on all that they've experienced in Tortsov's class. They revere him for his astounding genius in his profession. He's taken a group of inexperienced gawkers and turned them into legitimate thespians. This is the complete picture of Stanislavski's career.
