In the film, a novice nun is instructed to spend some time at the mansion of her reclusive uncle, her last living relative and main financial support. The uncle attempts to rape her, tries to convince her to live with him, and then commits suicide. Viridiana shares his inheritance with an illegitimate cousin, and decides against becoming a nun. Following a home invasion, the heiress is raped by one of the burglars. Saved by her cousin, the former nun agrees to make up a threesome with her cousin and his mistress.