In the near-future, the world is dominated by corporations and plagued by societal unrest. The protagonist, Hiro Protagonist, is a freelance hacker and swordfighter who delivers pizzas for the Mafia. In this futuristic society, he becomes entangled in a conspiracy involving a powerful drug called Snow Crash that infects users' brains, rendering them docile and obedient.

Hiro's journey begins when he encounters a young woman named Y.T., a skateboard courier who becomes his ally. Together, they navigate a dangerous world filled with virtual reality environments known as the Metaverse, where hackers and business moguls alike engage in high-stakes battles for power and control.

As the story unfolds, Hiro discovers that Snow Crash is not just a drug but actually a computer virus capable of infecting both the virtual and physical realms. He learns about an ancient Sumerian language that has been discovered to have a direct impact on the human brain, leading to the creation of Snow Crash. Hiro also discovers a religious cult called the Snow Crash cult, which seeks to use this drug as a tool for mind control.

As Hiro and Y.T. delve deeper into the mystery surrounding Snow Crash, they uncover a sinister plot to enslave humanity using a weaponized version of the drug. They must race against time to stop this malevolent plan and save the world.

Throughout the narrative, Stephenson explores themes of capitalism, linguistics, and the power of information in shaping society. "Snow Crash" is a thrilling and thought-provoking cyberpunk novel that combines elements of science fiction, action, and philosophical inquiry. With its fast-paced plot and richly developed characters, the story delves into a dystopian future where the boundaries between technology and humanity blur.