Handsome, ambitious Julien Sorel is determined to rise above his humble provinci
al origins. Soon realizing that success can only be achieved by adopting the sub
tle code of hypocrisy by which society operates, he begins to achieve advancemen
t through deceit and self-interest. His triumphant career takes him into the hea
rt of glamorous Parisian society, along the way conquering the gentle, married M
adame de Rˆnal, and the haughty Mathilde.
