While an anatomy seminar prepares to examine the cadaver of Franz Wozzeck in the name of scientific progress, medical student Büchner excoriates humanity for having allowed Wozzeck’s fate. The tragic story unfolds in flashbacks, as Büchner narrates.

Captain Harms still suffers from the bomb attack on his ship. He can not put up with sitting on land, but is afraid of take to the sea. Slowly he is becoming more and more frustrated and gradually falls into alcohol addiction.