 Kikunosuke, son of the famous actor Kikugoro, is openly praised for his performance on the stage. His success is actually due to his name; only Otoku, the wet-nurse of his brother, is sincere enough to tell him the truth about his acting, and also her faith in his ultimate talent. Kikunosuke falls in love with Otoku, but the possible mesalliance provokes the wrath of Kikugoro, whereupon Kikunosuke leaves his family to try to become an accomplished actor by himself, without the protection afforded by his father s reputation.