Thirty-three years before the play begins, Emilia and Egeon, a merchant of Syracuse, became the parents of twin boys. For some reason, they named them both Antipholus! In the same inn, another set of twins- both named Dromio- are born. Emilia and Egeon adopt the Dromios to be brought up as servants to the Antipholuses. Both sets of twins are separated in a shipwreck and raised by their respective parents in Syracuse and Ephesus.
Years later, Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant, Dromio of Syracuse, travel to Ephesus in search of their lost twins. Shenanigans ensue.