The protagonist of the story is an intellectual named Samgin. The action takes place in Russia from 1877 to 1917. The main character was born in the home of a populist named Ivan Samgin, who decided to give his son the unique name Klim. This unusual name instantly set the boy apart from the other children. Complex relationships began to develop among the children. Klim always wanted to stand out from the other kids, but he wasn't always successful. Ahead of him lay numerous trials.