Eighteen-year-old Caleb Williams after the death of his parents, poor farmers who lived in the realm of the rich squire Falkland Ferdinand, becomes his secretary.

Strange behavior of Falkland, who leads a secluded life and often falls into a gloomy reverie, successive bursts of anger, brings an idea to a young man that his master is being tortured by some mystery. Caleb has admitted himself that the main driving force that guides him throughout his life, has always been curiosity, and he is looking for what torments Falkland.