The story is set in a dystopian future where all citizens are made equal through handicaps. The main character, Harrison Bergeron, has above-average intelligence and strength that must be handicapped with headphones that disrupt his thoughts and weights strapped to his body. Despite his handicaps, Harrison becomes a leader of a rebellion against the government for enforcing equality through handicaps on all citizens. The government sends agents to stop the rebellion and Harrison is killed while trying to resist.