Eugênio Fontes is a medical student striving for upward social mobility. His impoverished childhood left him with an inferiority complex that hinders him in both his career and his romantic life; consequently, his struggles and dreams are entirely focused on achieving financial security. Deeply conflicted, he feels unable to love his parents, Alzira and Ângelo, to whom he owes his education. While in medical school, Eugênio meets Olívia Miranda, and the two fall in love. However, he ultimately marries Eunice—a beautiful, wealthy young woman and the daughter of the industrialist Cintra. Through his marriage to Eunice, Eugênio secures a good job and gains influential connections, such as a friendship with Felipe Lobo, a respected architect and associate of his father-in-law. Yet, as time goes by, the young doctor begins to question his marriage.