The main character in the story that takes place in 1896, year of the millennium, is Szakhmáry Zoltán, who, in sharp contrast with the people around him, is neither a cynic nor a lewd, not even someone with a tendency for showing off his strength. Instead, he strives to become a humane person...
Vetró János, the lorry driver, is an alcoholic. His marriage is in pieces, his wife has a lover. Their son suffers an accident. The next day his wife moves out. In his desperation, Vetró drinks even more, and leaves his work as well.