Fuenteovejuna is a peaceful place until a greedy Commander appears, trampling on the honor and dignity of the locals in every possible way.

The residents of Fuenteovejuna, unable to tolerate his unjust and tyrannical behavior, rise up and, in their outrage, kill him. This act of collective revenge forces King Ferdinand to send a judge to investigate and interrogate the inhabitants.

The residents make a significant decision: There is no specific culprit – the whole community is guilty. When the judge asks, “Who killed the Commander?” the answer is unanimous: “Fuenteovejuna did it.”

Thus, it is a work of action rather than character analysis. It is an ensemble piece; the true protagonist is Fuenteovejuna itself.