Dublin is embroiled in the First World War being waged against Germany by the British. Elizabeth is training to be a doctor whilst cultivating socialist ideas through her friendship with Jimmy, a blacklisted socialist worker from the tenements. Frances is a teacher and militant Nationalist. May works for the British administration at Dublin Castle, and is having an affair with her English boss, Charles. When Charles' wife Vanessa arrives from England for the Easter break, in a moment of despair, May smuggles a copy of a secret document to her friend Frances. May discovers she's pregnant but before she can leave Dublin the police come for her.