In a café, a talkative Pakistani sits across from a reserved American. As night slowly falls over the city, the Pakistani reveals more and more details of his life story. His name is Changez, and he recounts how he came to Princeton as a young, ambitious exchange student. As a model student, he is immediately hired by an elite firm after graduation. He immerses himself in the vibrant life of New York, gaining access to Manhattan's high society through his wealthy girlfriend Erica, and believes he is on the side of the winners. However, after September 11, his American dream of unstoppable success begins to crumble. Suddenly, Changez finds his connection to his homeland more important than money, power, and success. All of this is shared by the Pakistani with the American, whose motivation for the conversation remains unclear.