The story takes place in an imaginary village Prerovo, in the 19th century, during the reign of King Milan. The story follows the lives and conflicts of the Katic family members and their servants. The characters of the novel are politician Acim, his sons Vukasin and Djordje, Djordje's wife Simka, Vukasin's wife Olga, Tola Dacic, Nikola and others.