The plot is that because Genzaemon, who came to Edo, had illicit love with a Geisha (Japanese professional female entertainer at drinking party) Oriyo who is resembling Otomi, an Echigo merchant Shinsuke got involved in a tragedy.
江戸に出てきた源左衛門がお富に瓜ふたつの芸者・おりよに横恋慕したことから、越後の商人・新助が悲劇に巻きこまれる筋。