"Brokeback Mountain" tells a poignant tale of love and loss spanning decades, opening with Ennis Del Mar's awakening in his trailer on a Wyoming ranch. He contemplates an uncertain future as he faces potential unemployment and the need to possibly reside with his daughter temporarily. Yet, a dream about Jack Twist brings a rare moment of joy, rekindling memories of their shared past on Brokeback Mountain.

Ennis and Jack's First Summer

The story transports us back to 1983, reuniting with the teenage Ennis and Jack during their inaugural summer on Brokeback Mountain. Ennis manages the camp, while Jack tends to the sheep, staying with them on the mountain overnight. Reacting to Jack's frustrations over long commutes, Ennis proposes swapping roles, a suggestion Jack accepts.

As they settle into a routine, the two bond over shared meals by the campfire, engaging in discussions about horses, rodeos, and the austere Western lifestyle. As summer nears its end, Ennis lingers longer at the camp, leading to a pivotal night where, after drinking and singing by the fire, he opts to stay overnight. When Jack awakens to Ennis shivering, he offers him warmth in his bedroll—a moment that leads to an unexpected physical intimacy for Ennis.

With their unexpected relationship deepening, both men insist on their heterosexuality despite the growing intensity of their encounters. The foreman, Joe Aguirre, observes them from afar, inciting tension. As summer closes and the sheep mix with another herd, Aguirre's dissatisfaction increases with a low sheep count and mixed flocks.

At summer's end, Jack proposes a return the following year. Ennis, however, reveals plans to marry in December and seek ranch work, leading to a clumsy goodbye. The emotional weight of the farewell overwhelms Ennis, leaving him physically sick on the roadside and profoundly affected.

Life's Path and Reunions

Ennis's life progresses as he marries Alma, and they welcome their first child. The closure of his ranch job forces him into road work, and at Alma's urging, they relocate to town to escape isolation. Four years after that fateful summer, Jack reappears in Ennis's life.

Their reunion is passionate, observed by a shocked Alma, and Jack introduces his own wife and child. Leaving awkwardness behind, Jack and Ennis withdraw to a motel, rekindling their physical connection. Amid discussions of missed times and Jack's bull-riding career, they reflect on marriage and sexuality, with Ennis denying being gay despite acknowledging his lack of genuine interest in women.

Discussion turns serious as Jack voices their predicament, suggesting they find a solution for their love. Ennis, constrained by family responsibilities and fear of societal retribution, argues against living openly together. His fear is rooted in a traumatic incident from his childhood when a gay man was murdered in his town.

Despite Jack's hopes of starting a ranch together, Ennis remains trapped in his life, dreading a repeat of past violence. The only solace he envisions is sporadic meetings, believing "if you can't fix it, you got to stand it." Yet, Jack persuades Ennis to escape into the mountains together for a brief respite.

Tensions and Turning Points

Ennis's relationship with Alma deteriorates as she grows resentful of his unstable employment and frequent trips with Jack. Following their divorce, Ennis drifts back to ranch work but stays connected with his children. During a visit, Alma confronts him about the truth behind his fishing trips with Jack, sparking an angry reaction from Ennis.

Over the years, Jack and Ennis reunite sporadically, sharing updates on their lives, including affairs with women and familial challenges. Jack's frustration with infrequent visits leads him to propose moving to Mexico,...