Julián Sorel, a young man from a poor background, finds himself at the crossroads of life thanks to the desire to take fate into his own hands and conquer the world. An ambitious young man who is liked by women, he stands out for his intelligence and excellent memory, but he is too conceited, hot-tempered, hot-tempered and courageous for his qualities to directly guarantee him success in society. He Machiavellically exploits those who love him if he can use them to climb the social ladder, but his own sensitivity is an obstacle in this effort.
The novel is a profound study of love and jealousy. There is the self-sacrificing love of Madame de Rênal, several years his senior, in relation to whom Julien initially tests his influence on women, only to paradoxically discover in the days before his execution that he has loved no one more. The love between Julián and Matilda de la Mole is governed by the logic of struggle, both of them unable to suppress their selfishness and pride. Only when it is too late does Matilda succumb to a force that ruthlessly subdues and tames her.
The colors in the title of Stendhal's greatest novel are identical to those used in gambling games. However, once the roulette has been spun, it cannot be stopped without consequences - and life's big bets are paid by losing what we loved, sometimes even our own life.