This tale of temptation and obsession chronicles Georges Duroy's rise to power from his meagre beginnings as a penniless ex-soldier by using the city's most influential and wealthy women. Set in turn-of-the-century Paris, Duroy seduces Madame de Marelle then marries Madeleine Forestier, a former comrade's wife. Fuelled by his insatiable quest and lustful greed, Duroy conquers Madame Walter, only to learn that every conquest is marred by betrayal and that true love eludes him.