El Desprecio is based on two distinct storylines. The first focuses on a young woman, her struggles, misfortunes, loneliness, loves, happiness, sadness and continuous search of personal dignity. The second vividly illustrates ambition for power and money. Both are played out by a parade of legendary characters whose actions reveal the extremities of devious plotting, intrigue and even murder. The lead character Clara Ines Santamaria, an outcast who has unjustly been labeled mentally retarded, lives a secluded life in the countryside in a hospice run by nuns. Society's grave misjudgment of Clara Ines will come to light and her profound intelligence will finally be discovered. Even though Clara Ines is actually a beautiful young woman, in the beginning she only inspires pity. She is from a wealthy family, but was raised by a nun who doesn't want her to know her true origins. One day, Clara Ines discovers the truth and sets off for the capital city to challenge her destiny. She meets Raul Velandro, a seemingly good man who immediately takes pity on her and extends his assistance. He tells her that he is a member of the family she is seeking, he sets a trap, and Clara Ines becomes involved in a series of circumstances that comprise the compelling plot of El Desprecio.