Jake

Cohn

Jake Barnes is a World War II veteran, he and his best friend Robert Cohn live in Paris. Cohn, who likes to travel tries to get Jake to go to South America, but he refuses. The two end up going to a dance club later that night instead.

Lady Brett

At the dance club they see Lady Brett, Jakes one true love. However, the two cannot be together due to an injury Jake has causing him to be impotent. Despite their love Brett refuses to be with Jake. That night Jake then finds out Brett is planning to marry another man, Mike.

Brett, Mike, Cohn, Jake, and their friend Bill make a plan to go to San Sebastian, Spain. When they arrive they meet a man who tells them of the bull fighting event which is coming up. A huge fiesta is thrown in celebration of the up coming bull fight. During the fiesta there is much drinking and it becomes clear Mike does not get along with the other men.

One of the best bullfighters is Pedro Romero. While watching the fight Romero Catches Bretts eye, she later states she has fallen in love with him. The two meet up and spend the night together. This continues to hurt Mike, her ex fiance, who Brett left to be with Romero.