The American by Henry James follows Christopher Newman, a wealthy American businessman who travels to Europe in search of culture and new experiences. In Paris, he falls in love with Claire de Cintré, a beautiful widow from an aristocratic French family.
Although Claire agrees to marry him, her family opposes the match because Newman is not of noble birth. Under pressure from her family, Claire breaks off the engagement and eventually enters a convent.
Newman later discovers a dark secret about Claire’s family and considers taking revenge. However, he chooses forgiveness over revenge and returns to America wiser and more mature.