Jezebel is a seasoned TV reporter focused on the next juicy story that will generate the highest ratings for the TV station. She is on assignment to track down a man named Elias, who supposedly performs miracles, in the rugged backlands of northeastern Brazil. Bent on getting the next sensational news, Jezebel is determined to prove Elias a charlatan.

João Grilo is a backwoodsman who tries to get along at the expense of the powerful in the city, who pretend to be respectful of morals and good customs and hide their sins. But when a band of cangaceiros attacks the small town, everyone has to settle accounts with God and the Devil.

A gang of bandits led by Faustão intervene in a fight between two members of rival families, the Pereiras and the Araújos. Henrique Pereira, son of Colonel Pereira, is wounded in an ambush. Faustão rescues him and demands the father to pay a ransom in exchange for the life of his son. The bandit makes it clear to Henrique that he is not a prisoner and that he is only obeying the law of the backlands. Lucena, a henchman working for the Araújos, finds Faustão and offers twice the amount being asked to the colonel in order to take Henrique as a prisoner, but the bandit refuses the offer. Colonel Henrique pays the ransom, but the son refuses to return home, even being aware of the feud between his family and the Araújos. The young man chooses to join the gang.

A large protest march of escaped slaves is an episode in the history of Chico Bondade and Boaventura, who had already become legendary for their difficult and daring missions.