Newland Archer, gentleman lawyer and heir to one of New York City's best families, he is happily anticipating to marriage with the beautiful women, May Welland. However, his world is thrown upside down by the arrival of May's cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska. Ellen has returned to New York after scandalously separating from a bad husband. At first, Ellen's arrival and its potential flaw on the reputation of his bride-to-be's family that will disturb Newland, he becomes appreciate her unconventional views on New York society. Meanwhile, Newland becomes increasingly disillusioned with his new fiancee, May. Ellen's decision to divorce causes a social crisis for the other members of her family, who are terrified of scandal and disgrace, but divorce is unacceptable. While Newland supports her desire for freedom but in the same time he feels care for her. He afraid of falling in love with Ellen, Newland begs May to accelerate their wedding date. Newland tells Ellen that he loves her. She feels like him, but she is terrified that will make May is aggrieve. Ellen decided to go back to her husband who will accept offer allows of Ellen everything, if she would go back. Newland married May seems to be happy. But over time, Newland's memory of Ellen fades to a wistful image. He tries unsuccessfully to forget Ellen. He cannot to stop loving her. After wedding and honeymoon in Europe, Newland and May settle down to married life in New York. But on vacation in Newport, Newland is reunited with Ellen. He is still in love her. She was agonizing to love same with him. They do not act upon their love for each other. But suddenly, Ellen announces her intention to return to Europe. Because May told Ellen that she is pregnant. Since then, Newland was a great father of his three children and May has died. Newland’s son persuades him to travel to France. The eldest son tells the story about before his mother died. She said that father was very good man at abandon what father want in life most. They arrange to visit the Ellen at her Paris apartment. However, at the last minute Archer sends his son alone to visit her, content instead to live with his memories of the past.