The Duke of Vienna pretends to leave his city state, appointing the severe and apparently righteous Angelo as his deputy to impose all the rigor of the law on Vienna's citizens. Angelo quickly condemns to death the popular Claudio, who has impregnated Juliet before they were able to complete their wedding arrangements. When Claudio's sister, the eloquent Isabella, a novice in a convent, approaches Angelo to plead for her brother's life, Angelo suddenly abandons his reputation for integrity in an effort to extort sexual favors from Isabella in exchange for Claudio's life. Re-enter the Duke, who has not actually left Vienna but has disguised himself as a friar so that he can secretly observe his subjects. Together Isabella and the Duke in his role as friar undertake to save both Isabella's virginity and Claudio's life, pitting themselves against the ruthless Angelo.
