Tells about the young man Ibarra who, having obtained a university education in Europe, comes home to the Philippines full of the zeal and idealism of a dedicated reformist. Ibarra believes that education holds the key to social change and gears his energy in this direction. However, he finds himself obstructed at every turn by two friars: Fray Damaso who is later revealed to be the father of Ibarra's sweetheart, Maria Clara; and Fray Salvi who covets the love of Maria Clara.