While Sicily struggles with the turmoil of the Risorgimento in 1860, the Prince of Salina rules over his family and his possessions. He has not yet made peace with the idealism of young men like his cousin Tancredi, who joins the rebels, or the ambitions of men like Sedara, a vulgar man who capitalizes on change by flattering the rising power of criminal mafia organizations and plans to use his beautiful daughter Angelica to get what he wants. At Don Fabrizio's side remains Concetta, his favorite daughter, who shares his intelligence and foresight. Her happiness will ultimately be sacrificed in an attempt to ensure the survival of power and the name of the lineage.