Coromantin grandson of an African king Prince Oroonoko falls in love with Imoinda, the daughter of that king's top general. The king, too, falls in love with Imoinda. He gives Imoinda the sacred veil, thus commanding her to become one of his wives, even though she was already married to Oroonoko. After Imoinda unwillingly spends time in the king's harem, Oroonoko plans a tryst with the help of the sympathetic Onahal and Aboan.