Trust is difficult for Joseph Turner (Robert Redford) whose CIA code name is The Condor. His work was in a research office, never on the front lines of assination. But when he finds all his co-workers dead he flees. He was intended to be killed also. Until he can find out why he is being hunted down to be killed and who killed his coworkers, he hides in the apartment of Kathy Hale (Faye Dunaway). She is being held hostage by Turner and thinks he is going to do her harm. Yet with gentle negotiations, she slowly convinces him to trust her. She finds out his problem and is willing to help him uncover the truth. The two are able to become spys themselves and the thrill and danger draws the two closer.