Professor William Hundert is a respected Classics history teacher at St. Benedict's Academy for Boys, beginning another academic year as students introduce themselves. Among his rituals is a plaque above his door that he asks one student, Martin Blythe, to read aloud. The inscription details the legacy of Shutruk Nahunte, recounting conquests and achievements forgotten by time. Hundert emphasizes that "Ambition and conquest without contribution is without significance," prompting a thought-provoking challenge: "What will your contribution be? How will history remember you?" This notion becomes the underlying theme of the film. A budding friendship with fellow teacher Elizabeth is also established, as she returns from Greece gifting Hundert a snow globe of the Parthenon.
But soon, a new student named Sedgewick Bell enters the classroom, the son of a West Virginia senator. His arrogant demeanor clashes sharply with Hundert's principles, leading to escalating tensions. As Hundert attempts to guide Sedgewick’s troubled path, he feels compelled to discuss the situation with Senator Bell. However, the senator's indifferent response to his son’s moral development leaves Hundert frustrated, insisting that his job is merely to impart knowledge from textbooks, not shape character.
Returning to St. Benedict's, Hundert prepares for the much-anticipated "Mr. Julius Caesar" contest, determining finalists based on their essay performances. Among the top scorers are Deepak Mehta, Louis Masoudi, and the transformed Sedgewick Bell, who surprises Hundert with his newfound dedication. However, in a moment of concern for Bell's potential, Hundert bends the rules to alter his scores, pushing him ahead of Blythe.
When the contest arrives, Masoudi quickly falters, leaving Bell and Mehta to compete for the title. As Hundert perceives Bell making suspicious gestures during questions, he suspects cheating. Unsure of what to do, he consults the headmaster, who shockingly advises him to overlook it. Using his knowledge of Hamilcar Barca—a topic not covered in their textbooks—Hundert outsmarts Bell, leading to Mehta's well-deserved victory. Following the contest, Hundert uncovers Bell's deceitful tactics and is left disillusioned.
Fast forward twenty-five years, where Hundert is married to Elizabeth and learns he won't be appointed headmaster after the previous one’s passing. His resignation follows swiftly after the Board favors a younger colleague's fundraising potential over his experience. Shortly thereafter, Hundert receives an invitation from the now-wealthy Sedgewick Bell, who requests a rematch of the "Mr. Julius Caesar" contest and promises substantial funding for the school if Hundert agrees.
At Bell's opulent estate, Bell expresses gratitude for the lessons he learned despite his past defiance. As the contest commences, Masoudi once again falters, leading to a duel between Mehta and Bell. But Hundert notices an earpiece in Bell's ear, indicating cheating—just as a man in the back with a headset searches books. To test Bell, Hundert asks him about Shutruk Nahunte; both Bell and the man are stumped, allowing Mehta to win again through recalling the plaque's inscription.
When Hundert confronts Bell later, he is met with hostility, with Bell dismissively asserting that in his world, "people do what they do to get what they want," revealing his true nature. This exchange shocks Bell’s son, inadvertently present, causing Bell to realize the hypocrisy of his words.
The next morning, Hundert finds a note from his students wishing him well before preparing to depart. However, they unexpectedly surprise him with a party. In a reflective moment, he admits to Martin Blythe that he allowed Bell’s unfair advantage back then. Ultimately, Hundert finds solace knowing that despite his failure with Bell, most of his former students have matured into honorable individuals.
Determined to redefine his purpose, Hundert returns to St. Benedict's, now a co-ed institution, as a Classics teacher. The sight of a new cohort of students, including Blythe's son, brings happiness as he witnesses a familiar face outside his classroom and encourages Blythe's son to read Shutruk Nahunte's plaque, reminiscent of his father’s experience years ago.
