In 1955, Françoise, an energetic and ambitious young Parisian with well-defined goals, meets fellow law student Jean-Marc, a handsome and charming young man without character or willpower. She breaks her family ties rather than renounce him, convinced that his spinelessness will guarantee the freedom she holds dear, but discovers herself mistaken when she finds that she is pregnant. Nevertheless, she abandons her career and concentrates her ambitions on Jean-Marc, investing him with the courage he lacks. He panics under the weight of his new responsibilites and accepts a position as a provincial magistrate in the Ardennes. Though Françoise holds her boredom and impatience with smalltown life in check, she suddenly realizes that Jean-Marc has limited his sights to a career as a bureaucrat, and she shakes him out of his complacency by creating a scandal. Thanks to her influence, he obtains a position in the office of a famous Parisian lawyer, while she establishes contacts with the help of Roger, a former schoolmate and beau. Jean-Marc's scruples and hesitations inhibit his progress, and soon he is forced to leave the firm. Forced to act as breadwinner for the family, Françoise accepts a position with the public relations firm where Roger works. In spite of her tact and understanding, she cannot soothe Jean-Marc's wounded pride. Though she has ample opportunity for infidelity, she remains faithful to her husband, but he abandons her, stubbornly believing his unfounded suspicions.
