Santiago is an old fisherman who struggles to catch a large marlin fish after many days at sea. Though physically exhausted, he continues dreaming of success through hard work and skill rather than relying on luck. The novella explores the contrast of youth and age through Santiago's relationship with Manolin and memory of his own youth, as well as the role of judgment versus destiny in achieving one's goals. In the end, hard work proves more influential than fate in determining success.