The story is set in the antebellum South and revolves around Drum, a powerful and resilient Black man born to a white prostitute and sold as a slave. Raised in New Orleans, he becomes a prized fighter in illegal boxing matches. Drum's owner, Hammond Maxwell, purchases him to work on his plantation. As tensions between slaves and masters grow, the plantation becomes a volatile environment of cruelty and rebellion. The heartbeat of the narrative centers on Drum's struggle to maintain his dignity and humanity amidst systematic oppression.

The plot thickens with the arrival of Regine, a seductive and manipulative woman who becomes involved with Maxwell. Her devious maneuvers fuel the existing tensions, further complicating relationships on the plantation. As Drum faces increasingly brutal conditions, his fighting spirit captures the attention of both allies and adversaries. The escalating conflicts set the stage for a fierce confrontation between the oppressed and their oppressors, focusing on themes of survival, defiance, and the quest for freedom. As turmoil mounts, alliances shift and fates are determined, setting the scene for an explosive climax.