Anyegin arrives home in an abandoned castle for his uncle's funeral. He is a misanthropic, tired, cynical man who has seen it all, tried it all and is tired of what others - including his young neighbour, Lensky - consider the meaning of his life. At Lensky's invitation, he visits the Larin's estate, where he meets Tatiana, a young girl under the spell of books and a fan. Tatiana falls in love with Anegin and confesses her feelings in a letter...