In “Die Räuber” (The Robbers), Karl turns his back on his father, outraged by his stricness, and becomes the leader of a band of robbers to fight against social injustice. His brother Franz plots to steal the inheritance and manipulates their father and others. Betrayal, violence, and love entangle the characters until Karl’s idealism and Franz’s selfishness culminate in a decisive confrontation that reveals guilt, remorse, and the destructive power of human passion.