The story unfolds in the fictional town of , where the local economy and social hierarchy are built entirely on the myth of a "saintly" young man named Roque Santeiro (played by José Wilker ). Presumed dead for 18 years, Roque's sudden return threatens the power of local titans like the flamboyant Sinhozinho Malta ( Lima Duarte ) and the "widow" Porcina ( Regina Duarte ), who was never actually married to him. The series is celebrated for its: Roque Santeiro - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre

Every episode offers a crash course in Brazilian jeitinho, corruption, and populism—all wrapped in comedy and drama.