In 1828 a man called Kaspar Hauser appears in Nuremberg, barely able to speak and walk. He is admitted to the house of a professor, who among other things explores Kaspar's unusual characteristics and deals with his education.

Later, Kaspar Hauser lives with the Judicial Council, his guardian, and his mother. Kaspar's innocence and otherness make for an unkind attitude of community towards him. The first assassination attempt on him only seems to aggravate the situation, as people see Kaspar's "unnecessary" importance increase. In Count Stanhope, who becomes Kaspar's foster-father, the foundling first seems to have found his savior. But he leaves, and Kaspar continues to live with the judicial council. A second assassination will kill him.—Ulf Kjell Gür