At the age of 43, landowner Kirsanov is visited by his son Arkady, a recent university graduate, accompanied by the self-assured young doctor, Yevgeny Bazarov. Kirsanov's older brother, Pavel Petrovich, and Bazarov quickly develop mutual dislike. A few days later, Arkady introduces Bazarov to the young, beautiful, and wealthy widow Odintsova, who immediately captures Bazarov's interest.