Werther falls madly and unhappily in love with Lotte. But Lotte is engaged to Albert. Defying all conventions, he passionately pursues his love, hoping that his feelings will be reciprocated. Lotte tries to remain steadfast, but fails to break away from Werther entirely.
When Werther learns of Lotte's marriage, he writes a final letter and borrows Albert's pistols.
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