Siddhartha is the son of a Brahmin who lives with his father in India. He is well-respected, everyone expects him to be successful like his father. Siddhartha enjoys and existence with Govinda who secretly dislikes it. Govinda is Siddhartha's best friend. They both seek the same thing which is enlightenment and to learn new ways of life through losing yourself like meditation. Siddhartha feels that all of the wisdom his community has to offer has already been passed. He and Govinda seek more knowledge. One day, the ascetics (Samanas) came through starved and almost naked to beg for food. Siddhartha thinks that they can teach him new things and answer some of his questions.