Camilo Castelo Branco - A Filha do Arcediago

The plot of The Archdeacon's Daughter is the story of an unusual and immoral relationship — between the cynical priest Leonardo Taveira, archdeacon of Barroso, and Ana do Carmo, one of the lustful priest's many lovers. From this relationship comes Rosa Guilhermina Taveira, the daughter of sin and the true protagonist of this plot.

Not accepting the marriage imposed by her tyrannical father with a wealthy old man from the city, the sordid and grotesque António José da Silva, the young Rosa is forced to go to the Recolhimento de S. Lázaro, where she becomes close friends with a poor orphan girl, Maria Elisa.

The narrative is filled with the emotional relationships and romantic experiences of these and other characters, with scenes that are sometimes confessional, melodramatic and tearful; sometimes ridiculous and hilarious (starring especially António José da Silva, as well as Angélica, his old spinster and superstitious pious sister, and also Maria Elisa).