Orphan Pip discovers through lawyer Mr. Jaggers that a mysterious benefactor wishes to ensure that he becomes a gentleman. Reunited with his childhood patron, Miss Havisham, and his first love, the beautiful but emotionally cold Estella, he discovers that the elderly spinster has gone mad from having been left at the altar as a young woman, and has made her charge into a warped, unfeeling heartbreaker.
Young Pip encounters an escaped convict in a churchyard.
Young Pip visits Satis House and meets the strange, rich, reclusive Miss Havisham - and her ward Estella, by whom he is entranced.
Pip's happy life with Joe and Biddy is interrupted.
Pip sets about remaking himself as a gentleman.
Pip adores Estella, but will she break his heart?
Herbert advises against Pip's love for Estella. Meanwhile, tragic news of Mrs. Joe comes from back home.
To his astonishment, Pip becomes reacquainted with the convict Magwitch.
The identity of Estella's father becomes known.
Pip attempts to help Magwitch flee the country, but tragedy ensues.
Pip comes to terms with his foolish, arrogant behavior and seeks forgiveness from the woman he truly loves.