- Young writer Friedrich Schiller begins his poetic life with a dramatic flight. After the sensational success of his first drama "The Robbers", he had deserted from the army of the Duke. At the Mannheim Court and National Theatre, there is an initially cordial welcome, but his new play "Fiesko" is not much appreciated by the director Dalberg. Schiller finds a stong competitor with the successful actor and author August Wilhelm Iffland for the post of resident author while also competing with him for the love of the same woman. The young poet’s situation is under constant threat, having no money, being hungry and suffering from a serious illness. Nevertheless, he works feverishly for recognition and success, regardless of his health.