A media magnate, Charles Foster Kane, dies alone in his extravagant mansion, uttering a single, cryptic word: “Rosebud.” His death sparks intense public curiosity about its meaning, prompting a group of journalists to delve into Kane's life story to solve the mystery. The reporters interview friends, colleagues, and loved ones, piecing together the tycoon's rise from humble beginnings to the heights of wealth and power. Kane's story unfolds through a series of flashbacks, recounting his early ownership of a failing newspaper, which he transforms into a media empire. As Kane's influence grows, so does his ego and thirst for political power, leading him to run for Governor.

Kane's personal life is as tumultuous as his career. He marries twice, with both marriages disintegrating due to his domineering nature and neglect. Throughout his life, Kane struggles with his idealistic principles and the corrupting influence of wealth and power, often sacrificing personal happiness in the relentless pursuit of success. The investigation into Kane's past reveals a complex man, equal parts magnanimous and manipulative, whose life story is a cautionary tale about the American Dream gone awry. As the journalists probe deeper, they uncover a mosaic of relationships and experiences that shaped Kane, but the enigma of his final word remains elusive, suggesting that the key to understanding the man lies beyond the grasp of his public persona.