A traditional family's downfall is chronicled in the miniseries. From 1970 to 1992, the Tavares Branco family goes from an important name to a decadent one when family traditions are lost in the way when differences of opinion and values shift in time. While some fall into corruption and money power, others will follow their hearts and feelings - with the main story being the love affair between the idealistic Carla and Mariel, a former poor driver working for the family who later becomes a corrupt religious leader.