In the 15th century, Romola, daughter of a blind Florentine scholar, marries the unscrupulous Tito Melema. Using all of the underhand resources available to him, Tito rises to the position of Chief Magistrate, never missing the chance to abuse his authority despite becoming extremely unpopular with the locals. One of his most despicable acts is his mock marriage to a peasant girl, Tessa. But the people rise against him when he sentences Father Savonarola to death.