The poem begins by introducing us to Richard Cory. He's a total gentleman; he's good-looking, slim, and admired by all of the people of the nearby town. The poem then keeps on describing Mr. Cory. He's modestly dressed and friendly, he practically glitters when he walks down the street, and—naturally—everyone is excited to see him. Also, this dude is rich. Everyone in the town thinks that they want to be like Richard Cory.
But then, the unthinkable happens. Richard Cory, despite his money, good looks, and his high status in society, goes home and shoots himself in the head. No one saw it coming—no one.