Desdemonalivesonanisolatedislandwithherstrangefamily:herfatherMario,herstepmotherDulcineaandhermentallychallengedsisterPaulova.Astheonlyinhabitantsontheislandlonelinessanddesolationengulfallmembersofherfamily.Desdemonatriestowardoffherboredombytakinglongwalksalongthebeachorengaginginactsofself-gratification.SheoftentriestoseduceherownfatherMariotoengageinactsofasexualnature.Theirdailyroutineisinterruptedbythearrival(byboat)ofarobustmalestrangerwhobringsfrictionintoDesdemona'sfamily.