Georgia, 1861. Scarlett O'Hara has just turned 16 years old. She goes to a picnic organized by the Wilkes, friends of the family. As always, she is the centre of attention for the boys, and does her best to encourage it. Still, she only has eyes for Ashley, himself in love with M�lanie. She meets the enticing Rhett Butler, older than the rest of the men there, and with a dubious reputation. The Secession war begins, and Scarlett, despaired, declares her love to Ashley. He refuses her because he is engaged to M�lanie. Distraught, Scarlett notices that Rhett has seen this exchange. She decides therefore to marry the first one that will ask for her hand, and this will be Charles, the brother of M�lanie. Scarlett moves to Atlanta. She there rediscovers Rhett Butler, who frequently talks about her, but not in the best regard. Charles dies in the War, and Scarlett finds herself alone in the company of his aunt and of M�lanie, whom she hates for taking the man she loves. Scarlett is determined and proud and does what she wants. With M�lanie pregnant, and Atlanta in flames, Scarlett flees with her, her son and Rhett, who leaves them alone right in the middle of the forest. Scarlett goes back to her family home, Tara.

She there rediscovers the family's faithful servants. His father has been gravely ill since he lost his wife, and Scarlett is obliged to take care of the home. The times are hard, they don't have any money and the soldiers are there, but they manage to make it work, thanks to Scarlett. Eventually, Ashley comes home. Scarlett has not forgotten him - she loves Ashley and believe he loves her too. One day, they meet again in the barn, and they kiss, but Ashley says he cannot abandon M�lanie. Then, Scarlett decides to set off again for Atlanta. She discovers that Rhett is in prison and she goes to see him to "accept" the suggestion he made previously: to become his mistress. This visit is solely to obtain from Rhett money which she needs. But Rhett discovers the deception and does not help her. To further her end, she marries Frank, a rich merchant. She decides also to live according to her position. She goes therefore to direct the store of her husband. She becomes an unparalleled businesswoman but but not everyone likes the manner in which she conducts herself.

She still doesn't have enough money, for her husband is not very good in his business. Ashley and M�lanie return to Atlanta and buy themselves a house just behind Scarlett. Scarlett is attacked, and when the men go out to confront her attackers, there is a skirmish and Frank is killed. makes up a lie to tell the Yankees of them being at Belle Whatley�s house, so that they can get back inside without Ashley getting arrested. Ashley and the other men are saved but Scarlett is once again widowed and with child.

Still in need of money, she agrees to marry Rhett, who has fallen in love with Scarlett. The people of the city are all against this idea but once again, Scarlett not care what others say. Henceforth united to Rhett, she can have all that she wants and starts with to do to construct itself a house outside the city and abandons all of her friends. She is selfish and thinks only of sumptuous receptions. But one day, while out with Ashley, she cries in his arms and certain inhabitants of the city see it. It is the talk of the town, and Scarlett and Ashley's reputations are ruined. M�lanie does not believe it, but Rhett knows it is true. Then, they have a daughter and Rhett spoils her too. She brings to him the love that Scarlett does not give him.

But, Scarlett does not dote on her, and leaves the husband she doesn't love. He is still in love with her, and suffers terribly. Rhett decides to take a trip, taking their girl Bonnie to see his mother, and leaving Scarlett alone. During this time, Scarlett learns that she is again pregnant. When his husband comes back to the house, she reveals the pregancy to him, but then falls down the stairs and has a miscarriage. Shortly afterwords, Bonnie is killed in a riding accident. Rhett falls in a state of depression, and Scarlett is equally affected. She sends for Melanie, but she is on her death bed. After her death, Scarlett realizes that she liked Melanie after all, and is not really in love with Ashley - it is Rhett that she loves. She runs home to tell him, but it is too late: Rhett suffered for 10 years alongside Scarlett and he can not take any more: he leaves her for good. Scarlett is distraught, but vows to carry on.