Prologue
The play opens with a narrator, Old Martin, who reflects on his youthful adventures and the subsequent moral and existential questions they raised.

Act One
The setting is 16th-century Spain. Pizarro, an aging and illiterate soldier, convinces King Charles V of Spain to fund an expedition to Peru, promising great riches from the Inca Empire. Pizarro recruits a diverse and ragtag group of men, including the young and idealistic Martin Ruiz. They set sail for the New World, driven by promises of gold and glory. Upon arrival in Peru, they encounter the advanced and mysterious Inca civilization. Pizarro is fascinated by their sophisticated society and begins to doubt the righteousness of his mission. The Spaniards capture Atahualpa, the Inca emperor, who is initially treated with respect and curiosity. The Incas offer an immense ransom of gold for Atahualpa’s release, which Pizarro accepts.

Act Two
As the Spaniards amass the treasure, tensions rise. The gold does not satisfy the Spaniards’ greed, and Pizarro grows conflicted over his burgeoning friendship with Atahualpa, who impresses him with his dignity and wisdom. Atahualpa, in turn, is intrigued by Pizarro and the Spaniards' religious beliefs, leading to a series of philosophical and theological debates between him and Pizarro. Despite Pizarro’s initial promise, the political and military pressures from his men and his superiors force him to make a fateful decision. The Spaniards, fearing reprisal and wanting to consolidate their power, decide to execute Atahualpa. In a poignant climax, Pizarro personally strangles Atahualpa, leading to a profound sense of loss and disillusionment among the Spaniards. Pizarro, in particular, is left grappling with his conscience and the stark realization of the hollowness of their conquest.

Epilogue
The play ends with Old Martin reflecting on the events, pondering the cost of their pursuit of gold and glory, and the enduring impact of the cultural collision between the Spaniards and the Incas.

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