In 19th century Paris, Georges Duroy, an ambitious but penniless former soldier, secures a job as a journalist and begins his relentless climb up the social ladder. Using his charm and good looks, Georges manipulates influential women to achieve his aspirations. He starts by rekindling a relationship with Clotilde de Marelle, an old acquaintance who introduces him to the world of high society. Seeking more power and wealth, he becomes entangled with Madeleine Forestier, the widow of a wealthy journalist, whom he marries after her husband's death. With her support, Georges' success grows, but so does his ruthlessness.

As Georges continues to exploit women for their connections, his deceitful ways and insatiable ambition start to backfire. His relationships become increasingly strained and fraught with jealousy. In his quest for dominance, Georges encounters a series of moral dilemmas and consequences that test his character. The narrative delves into themes of corruption and the high cost of ambition in the glittering but treacherous landscape of Parisian society.