Told as a flashback (continuity) to the early 21st century, with a wraparound sequence narrated by the orangutan The Lawgiver (Planet of the Apes) in "North America - 2670 A.D.," this sequel follows the ape leader Caesar (Planet of the Apes) years after a global nuclear war has destroyed civilization. Living with his wife Lisa (Planet of the Apes) and their son Cornelius, Caesar creates a new society while trying to cultivate peace between the apes and remaining humans. Caesar is opposed by a gorilla named Aldo (Planet of the Apes), who wants to imprison the humans who freely roam Ape City while doing menial labor.