The life of Fernando Farinha, from kid where he ran away to school - to sing the fado, and the condescension of the parents, although aspiring to have an "honest" job.

Ribatejo - Maria Rosa, wife of a fearless cowboy, José, who was killed by a bull, makes her son Toino swear that he will never work with cattle again, for which he will be called a coward. Years later, having married Cacilda and isolated from his family, Toino breaks his promise when, in the countryside, he is forced once again to prove his bravery in order to save his son Quim, who is being pursued by an animal...

Luisa and Manuel begin the existence of married, having only their dream and hope. He judges himself a Tarzan in the jungle of life, able to face all the threats, next to his companion.

João and Jaime work as taxi drivers for the same company. But, once the company's vault is robbed by Raul, the manager's son, João is the one to blame.

After a fatal crash involving her brother, Elsa tries to escape her corrupt & prejudiced background, making Francisco (the victim’s dad) – a wealthy family’s driver – resign himself with the unavoidable so as not to compromise his employer’s son, thus trying to gain something from the tragedy.

Popular in the riverside area of Porto, Micas raised her daughter, Madalena, at the cost of sacrifice, as her father emigrated to Brazil. With a happy voice, Madalena works on unloading the coal, seeing her loves thwarted by her humble condition. Barata, another typical figure who makes a living from expedients, helps Madalena's father - meanwhile returned, to "register" her - in a kidnapping plan capable of facilitating her reconciliation with Micas, who is reluctant... Things get complicated, but happiness ends up triumphing.