Edgard works as a subordinate in the company of millionaire Werneck and is in love with Ritinha, a simple woman who works as a teacher to support her mother and her three sisters. One day, Peixoto, Werneck's son-in-law, makes him a proposal to marry Maria, the boss's daughter. The reason is that Maria was abused and now is being forced to marry by her family. Edgard hesitates first but accepts the offer. From then on he enters into a great doubt: should he deposit the check and marry Maria or stay with Ritinha, his great love?

After being forced into a marriage and enduring a humiliating work routine in the hands of his father-in-law, Zé Araújo becomes the mythical Ojuara, an unconventional hero devoted to debauchery.