As a student full of plans and hopes, with artistic and social ambitions, Frédéric Moreau comes from the provinces to Paris. However, he soon becomes overwhelmed by his love for Madame Arnoux, who captivates his imagination and paralyzes his drive for years. His revolutionary enthusiasm is followed by immense disappointment over the victory of the reaction in 1848. He descends into complete indifference and mediocrity, ultimately looking back disillusioned on a failed life.