Faust, an aging philosopher, trades his soul to the Devil in exchange for youth and the love of the beautiful Marguerite. Marguerite's brother Valentin defends his sister's honor in a duel with Faust, but Méphistophélès intervenes and Faust accidentally kills Valentin. Marguerite goes mad, and is condemned to death for the murder of her unborn child. Faust and Méphistophélès try to rescue her from prison, but she turns instead to God: as she walks to the gallows, a choir of angels proclaims her salvation.