Antonis (Castellanis), a talented cobbler and lyricist, lives in Kythera with his poor but proud parents. At a wedding feast, he meets Anna... and the two fall in love at first sight.

Castellanis becomes the first cobbler of the island. His success does not go unnoticed, but apart from admiration, it also causes envy. George Scaleris is jealous of his luck and sets a 'trap' for him.

Castellanis doesn't know how to deal with Scaleri's accusations. As bad rumors about him start to circulate around the island, his father suggests he leave for Piraeus.

In Piraeus, Castellanis makes a new friend and soon impresses everyone with his virtuosity as a cobbler and his talent as a lyricist. His uncle's wife, however, does not take kindly to him.

In Piraeus, Castellanis now makes his living as a lyricist and spends his life and money on ephemeral pleasures. Back in Kythera, a young doctor asks for Anna's hand in marriage from her father.

Devastated by a new tragedy, Castellanis asks the island's priest for help in vain. Overwhelmed by injustice, he will be led down a path of no return.