The gifted Henrik grows up in one of Skien's wealthiest shopkeeper families. When his father's business fails, the Ibsen family is thrown into poverty and shame. But 15-year-old Henrik has a dream of a different life.
Henrik has turned 17 and is slaving away as a pharmacist's apprentice all day and all night in Grimstad's pharmacy. While studying for his exams, he meets Else Sofie, the first woman in his life.
Henrik now works in Grimstad's new pharmacy. For the first time he meets like-minded people, and he is brought out of isolation, shame and loneliness. When love fails, Henrik conceive his first drama.
