In the city of Baltimore, Mr. Roger Button, a prominent businessman, anxiously awaits the arrival of his first child at the hospital. Upon arrival, the hospital staff is in a state of chaos. Dr. Keene breaks the unbelievable news to Mr. Button that his son appears to be a man of at least seventy years old. Shocked, Roger Button first denies, then reluctantly accepts, this bizarre reality. The child, named Benjamin Button, has a long white beard, a bald head, and wrinkles. He possesses all the physical and cognitive characteristics of an old man. Initially, the Buttons are embarrassed by their child's unique condition and struggle to adapt. Benjamin's "youth" is marked by an elderly appearance and the mentality of an old man. He is sent to kindergarten, much to the dismay of the teacher and fellow students, and wears glasses to play with toys. Benjamin's age-inverted life creates endless conflicts with societal norms. Benjamin’s father attempts to mold him into a typical child by making him play with toys and convincing him to call him “father” rather than “Mr. Button.” Over time, Benjamin begins to look younger. As he biologically "ages" into his 50s. Benjamin arrives as a freshman Yale but has forgotten to dye his hair to make his appearance more youthful. When he tells the registrar he is eighteen, he is called a lunatic and laughed out of school. Benjamin goes to work for his father, and they begin to look like brothers. Around this time, he meets and marries Hildegarde Moncrief, the daughter of a general, who likes 'older' men. His relationship with Hildegarde grows strained as he becomes younger and she ages naturally. Benjamin joins the army during the Spanish American War to escape home, but returns 3 years later for his business. As years pass, Benjamin becomes a prominent figure in Baltimore due to his successful business ventures. However, his personal life is filled with challenges. His son, Roscoe, struggles to comprehend his father's condition. Benjamin's life is a constant adaptation to his ever-youthful state. He enrolls in Harvard as a freshman and entrusts his business to his son. He begins to indulge in more youthful pleasures and behaviors as he grows into his teenage years, now resembling a young boy. With this transformation, Hildegarde leaves him, finding it hard to be with a husband who looks like a child. In his last years, Benjamin's memory fades, and he regresses to an infantile state. He is unable to recognize his family members or recall his past life. The once-prominent businessman becomes entirely dependent on others for care. Roscoe, now matured, takes responsibility for Benjamin, treating him as his own child. As a baby in appearance with an elderly mind, his memories begin to fade. He eventually passes away.