This is the story of Nastassia Philippovna, one woman and four men. One is her protector, who wants to get rid of her to enter into a marriage of convenience; another has been promised her hand in return for a substantial dowry; there is also her suitor, an eccentric and dark character. And the Idiot, who is madly in love with her and has decided to "save" her. All four, and a few others, meet at a party at Nastassia’s house. Nobody will decide for her: she has to choose the outcome. Her ruin.