The story takes place in Rome and follows the lives of four main characters: Miriam, Hilda, Donatello, and Kenyon. Miriam, a beautiful and mysterious artist, captures the attention of both Donatello, a young Italian sculptor, and Kenyon, an American writer. Hilda, a pure and devout woman, also becomes involved with the group as their friend and confidante. As the plot thickens, the characters become increasingly entangled in a web of deception and betrayal, leading to a dramatic and tragic conclusion. "The Marble Faun" is a richly layered novel that offers a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the human experience.