Young Michael, since childhood, has hated the sight of pain, and is considered a coward by his father. When, despite his loathing of suffering, he is drawn into the War, his taut nerves give way and he becomes obsessed with the conviction that he himself will never be killed, but that he will be kept alive to watch others die around him. Ironically enough the Armistice is declared the day after he deserts from the Army. It is only then that life begins for him, and his fear-ridden and sensitive youth retreats into the background before new experiences of great moment -- love and independence as a wage earner in post-War Italy.