In 1997, before the visit of the pope to Rio de Janeiro, Captain Nascimento from BOPE (Special Police Operations Battalion) is assigned to eliminate the risks of the drug dealers in a dangerous slum nearby where the pope intends to be lodged.

Maria is an orphan girl who suffers from her stepmother's wickedness. She then decides to escape in search of the fringes of the sea and takes a long walk through Brazilian folk tales. On her journey, she meets several fantastic characters.

José Dourado uses a double identity to be able to have fun without compromising his image as a rich heir and telecommunications shareholder. His best friend, Agenor Nabuco, makes use of this to invade José's farm and, then, he meets the seductive Cecília Feijó, his friend's niece. Agenor is Patrícia Lobato's cousin, with whom José is in love, but Aunt Augusta, Patrícia's mother, is against the relationship. Love impediments will also be imposed by housekeeper Dona Glorinha and pastor Saulo Malaquias. Then, a plot from the past appears to alter the course of the characters in the story.