Despite his illegitimate birth, Candide grows up in his uncle's castle, enjoying all the status and luxuries on offer. He is a firm believer in the teachings of his tutor, Dr. Pangloss, that this is the best of all possible worlds. Candide is devoutly in love with the beautiful Cunegonde, his cousin. Her father, the Baron, catches them in a kiss and banishes him to make his fortune elsewhere in the wide world of mankind. Thus begins the young Candide's real education. He travels the wide world, experiencing the dangers of nature and the complexity of mankind. He witnesses both kindness and cruelty, experiencing them directly as he searches for and at times mourns his beloved Cunegonde. Will he find her? And what happens to the other characters in the story, Dr. Pangloss, the baron, and all the people, both good and evil, Candide meets along the way?