In Belle Epoque Paris, Georges Duroy, a handsome, ambitious but penniless young man, reunites with his friend Forestier, editor-in-chief of a major financial newspaper. Forestier manages to find him a position at the newspaper. With his friend's support, Georges does everything he can to climb the social ladder. He relies mainly on his undeniable charm to win the favor of influential women who can introduce him to the wealthy circles he covets. Georges benefits in particular from the support of Madeleine, the wife of the newspaper's editor-in-chief. His numerous conquests in high society soon earn him the nickname "Bel Ami."