In addition to Smerdyakov, who was born out of wedlock, Fyodor Karamazov has three sons: Dimitri, Ivan and Alyosha. When the licentious father is murdered, his eldest son Dimitri comes under suspicion. The inheritance and love for Fyodor's young bride Grushenka gave rise to fierce arguments between father and son. Dimitri, who is heavily in debt, is arrested and put on trial. Of the brothers, the youngest, the monk Alyosha, believes in Dimitri's innocence ...