In the 14th century, William of Baskerville, a renowned Franciscan monk, and his apprentice, Adso of Melk, travel to an abbey where a suspicious death has occurred. Using his deductive powers, William begins investigating what he believes to be murder.
During the course of his investigation, several more monks wind up dead. With fear running through the abbey, the church leaders call forth Bernardo Gui, William's nemesis, to find the truth.