A copying error by a military scribe turns the Russian words "the lieutenants, however" into what looks like "lieutenant Kijé". The Tsar reads the error, and wants to meet this (non-existent) lieutenant. The courtiers, eager to avoid the wrath of the temperamental Tsar, create a Kijé to serve as their royal scapegoat.
Tsar Pavel I
Count von Pahlen
Princess Gagarina
Princess Gagarina's companion
Adjutant
Fortress commandant
Scribe
Lieutenant Sinyukhaev
Chief physician
Count Kutaysov (uncredited)
Grenadier (uncredited)
