Following her parents’ wishes, spirited seventeen-year-old Effi Briest marries Baron von Innstetten – a former admirer of her mother – who is twenty years Effi’s senior. This marriage of prudence heralds the beginning of a humdrum life, far from home, for Effi. Innstetten devotes himself entirely to his political career, and the sleepy small town of Kessin has very little to offer in terms of variety. But then, one day, Innstetten’s old regimental comrade, Major Crampas – a charming womanizer – arrives on the scene. Effi begins a passionate affair with him and, for the first time, discovers the meaning of love. Years later, when Baron Innstetten hears of their now bygone affair, he challenges Major Crampas to a duel. Crampas dies in the duel. In a departure from Fontane’s version, Effi decides that the only thing to do is to begin a new life…