The headmaster of Trinity College asks Archie Costello the leader of the Vigils a secret society that rules the school to help with the selling of 20 000 boxes of chocolates in the annual fund-raising effort. Archie sees the chance of adding to his power
- he is the Assigner handing out to the boys tasks to be performed if they are to survive in the school. Freshman Jerry Renault a newcomer to the corrupt regime refuses to sell chocolates. Enormous mental & physical pressure is put on him but he will not give in
- the result is an inevitable explosive tragedy.