In a dusty village in remote, northeastern Brazil, we meet Darlene, an impoverished peasant girl. Abandoned by the father of her unborn child, she leaves town for the big city. Three years later she returns with her baby to bury her mother. A casual encounter with old Osias results in a marriage proposal, which she accepts with practical resolve. Tired of serving the unaffectionate old man, she is soon pregnant again by a passing laborer. She decides to leave Osias, but her freedom is short-lived. After her oldest son is claimed by his landowner father, Darlene returns to her dull but stable marriage. Enter Zezinho, Osias′ cousin, with whom Darlene begins an affair. Just as Zezinho is settling into domestic life, she invites a new field hand to dinner. When she becomes pregnant with his child, Darlene convinces Osias and Zezinho to build him a room of his own. The strain of their new arrangement provides for some hilarious moments.