The story begins in Barcelona, where is being forced by her tyrannical father, Don Fernando , to marry a wealthy but elderly man. Esmeralda, a spirited and rebellious woman, manages to flee the church before the ceremony concludes. During her escape, she encounters a gypsy named Azucena , who gives her a mysterious medallion. Azucena tells her the medallion will lead her to her mother, Sara Kalí , despite Esmeralda believing her mother died during childbirth. Intrigue and Departure