In the provincial town of Saumur, Eugénie Grandet lives under the strict control of her father, Félix Grandet, a wealthy but extremely miserly man. Despite his fortune, he forces his family to live in poverty and isolation.
Eugénie’s life changes when her cousin Charles arrives from Paris after his father’s bankruptcy and suicide. She falls deeply in love with him and secretly gives him her savings to help him rebuild his life.
Charles leaves to seek fortune overseas, but over time he forgets Eugénie and chooses wealth and social status instead, marrying a rich woman.
Eugénie remains loyal to her love, but she is left heartbroken. After her father’s death, she inherits a large fortune, yet lives a lonely and austere life, emotionally wounded by lost love.