Rachel, a beautiful, young octoroon, is trapped as a slave on the Young Plantation in 1820s Virginia. Her mesmerizing looks enchant all who meet her. Forced to kill to survive, she escapes the plantation with the help of a Jamaican slave named Hattie. Rachel, now Elizabeth, charms a wealthy gentleman, Jonathan Collier, who directs her to his uncle's massive plantation in New Orleans. When she becomes of age, they marry, but Jonathan changes into a cruel, abusive husband who controls her every move. Circumstances change, and she becomes the sole owner of the plantation, leading a life of bliss. Marse Young, her original owner, tracks her down and discovers her new life as a plantation owner and demands her return; if not, he will have her mother whipped to death. Elizabeth must make a decision that will ultimately change her fate and happiness.
