The story starts with the visit of the protagonist in his capacity as Minister of War and Navy to a military regiment in Quillota, which revolts and captures him. As Portales realizes that his death is every minute more accurate, he narrates his life to his edecán, Eugenio Necochea. Thus, the hard life he lived in his youth during the beginnings of Independence and his tragic relationship with his cousin and wife, Josefa "Chepa" Portales, is recounted. The death of his two newborn daughters and his wife tests the character's relationship with God, whom he challenges and promises "Never mention his name again."
