The dreams and problems of three friends: Malagueta, an inveterate gambler; Perus, former factory worker who abandoned the assembly line to earn his living at the billiards; and Bacanaço, trickster who puts on chic airs, always dreaming of performing the ultimate big swindle.

The saga of Severino, a poor guy living in the back country of Northeast Brazil, leaving for the big city of Recife, in search of a better life.

Priest Marcelo Rossi visits a juvenile correction center, and gives Paulo, one of the interns, a Bible. He starts reading the story of St. Paul.