The novel opens on board the steamship Tabo (Chapter 1), a symbol of the Philippines' backward state, sailing upstream against the currents of progress. We are introduced to , a wealthy jeweler with a distinct appearance (blue-tinted glasses and dyed beard), who is secretly Crisostomo Ibarra returning for vengeance.

: The climax involving the "lamp" plan—Simoun's failed attempt at a revolution during the wedding feast. Kabanata 39 (Ang Katapusan)

El Filibusterismo was written in 1891, during Rizal's exile in Hong Kong. The novel revolves around the story of Juan Crisostomo Ibarra, a young Filipino who returns to his country after studying in Europe. Ibarra's goal is to improve the lives of his fellow Filipinos under the oppressive Spanish colonial rule.