Benjamin Martin, a widower raising his seven children (five sons and two daughters), and also a French-Indian war hero who is troubled by his past, now wants nothing more than to live peacefully on his small plantation, and wants no part of a war because he wants to protect his family. However, his two eldest sons, Gabriel and Thomas, can't wait to serve in the newly formed "Continental Army." When South Carolina decides to join the rebellion against England, Gabriel immediately signs up to fight even without his father's consent.
However, after a British Colonel Tavington threatens their welfare and kills one of his sons, he chooses to enlist.