After his death, Napoleon Bonaparte, the humble soldier who rose through the ranks to become Emperor, remains the inspiration for Julien Sorel, son of a provincial carpenter. The ruthless Sorel is determined to rise in society, but feels that the road to power no longer lies in the army but in the church.

Young Julien Sorel has opted for the "black", the church, as a more suitable road to power than the "scarlet" of the army. He is now at the seminary at Besancon, initially believing that he has been abandoned by his lover Madame de Renal.

To conquer the heart of a woman a military campaign is needed. Julien goes into battle determined to win at all costs.