- On May 20, 1959, recent university graduate Arkady Kirsanov and his friend Yevgeny Vassilyitch Bazarov arrive in Maryino to stay on the estate of Arkady’s father, Nikolai Petrovich.
- Nikolai reveals to Arkady that he has recently had a child with his young mistress, Fenitchka.
- In a conversation with his father and uncle, Arkady reveals that Bazarov is a nihilist.
- Bazarov, unhesitant to share his views with the men of the older generation, has an intense argument with Pavel Petrovich, asserting that all principles and rules are useless and must be negated.
- Arkady and Bazarov, wishing to find some space after the heated exchange, set off for the town of X— to visit Arkady’s wealthy relative, Matvei Ilyitch Kolyazin.
- They encounter one of Bazarov’s old acquaintances, Viktor Sitnikov, who takes them to visit Madame Kushkin.
- A few nights later, the two young men attend a ball at the town Governor’s residence and get acquainted with Anna Sergeyevna Odintsova, who invites them to stay as guests on her estate.
- Over the course of two weeks, Bazarov spends a great deal of time with Anna Sergeyevna, while Arkady becomes good friends with her sister, Katya.
- Despite his proclaimed lack of belief in principles, Bazarov falls in love with Anna, confesses to her his feelings, and is rejected.
- Arkady and Yevgeny Vassilyitch leave Odintsov’s estate and travel to the home of Bazarov’s parents.
- Bazarov treats his parent with little love or respect, despite the fact that they are overjoyed to see him return.
- After a stay of only three days, Bazarov grows restless, and he and Arkady return to Maryino.
- Ten days later, Arkady decides to return to the estate of Anna Sergeyevna in Nikolskoe, and leaves his friend on his father’s estate.
- Bazarov flirts with Fenitchka and forcefully kisses her as they sit by the lake.
- Pavel Petrovich, having witnessed the nihilist’s inappropriate behavior, is determined to defend his brother’s honor and challenges Bazarov to a duel.
- During the duel, Bazarov shoots Pavel in the thigh.
- Bazarov leaves Maryino, goes to Anna Sergeyena’s estate to tell Arkady of the duel and to announce the end of their frienship.
- Arkady proposes to Katya; she says yes.
- Yevgeny Vassilyitch returns to his parents’ home and assists his father in treating the sick villagers.
- He cuts his finger while dissecting the body of a typhus victim, and, neglecting to disinfect the wound soon enough, contracts the disease.
- On his deathbed, Bazarov calls for a visit from Anna Sergeyevna, and dies soon afterwards.
- Six months later, Arkady and Nikolai Kirsanov get married, and live happily afterwards with their new families.