The storyteller recollected the circumstances in which he first met Charles Strickland, who is now famous. He began by pointing out that there seemed to be nothing special about Charles Strickland, but then said that the man was a genius. The narrator told about how Strickland was relatively obscure in life, and that his emotional style of art was misunderstood. He then lauded the legends which had risen up about Strickland, saying that such legends were the key to immortality.
The narrator said that, although he knew Strickland in early life, he would not be writing about his friend if he had not gone to Tahiti. Apparently, the most obscure parts of Strickland's life took place in Tahiti, and now the narrator had a chance to interview those who knew Strickland during this time in his life.  For the first time the author met Charles wife at a Rose Waterford's party. The women was delighted with his book.They began to talk with each other several times a week, and one day she invited him to a meeting. And there he saw Charles Strickland. It was said about how humble man, not interested in art and literature. The storyteller at the event could not communicate with him, but he carefully watched him and realized that he was bored in this atomsfere. Over time the narrator met Rose Waterford, who excitedly told him that Charles Strickland has left his wife. She was happy to be presenting the newest and most exciting gossip, and hinted that Strickland had run off with a young woman. Crabbe, feeling bad for his friend, went over to her house, and found her wiping away tears, talking with her brother-in-law, Colonel MacAndrew.  MacAndrew angrily suggested that Mrs. Strickland should divorce her husband as soon as possible, and she said that she will never divorce him, no matter what. She was convinced that he had run off suddenly with another woman, and she did not want him to be able. Then Mrs. Strickland asked the narrator to go to Paris and meet up with her husband. She wanted him back, and she will forgive him everything. At first the author refused, but then decided to help. Arriving in Paris, he went to the address and realized that it was very bad and cheap hotel. There he met Charles. He was surprised that he did not have any women. They went to a cafe to talk.