Volpone pretends to be on his deathbed in order to dupe three men - Voltore, Corbaccio, and Corvino - who each believe they will inherit his fortune. His servant Mosca encourages this deception. Mosca also convinces Corbaccio to disinherit his son Bonario in favor of Volpone. When the scheme is uncovered in court, Volpone, Mosca, and the other dupes receive punishment.