Great Expectations

Young Pip encounters Abel Magwitch in the churchyard while visiting his parents' graves. Magwitch intimidates him into bringing tools and food the next day so he can remove his chains. Pip feels fear but also a spark of pity for the escaped convict.

Magwitch attacks another escapee rather than fleeing and is pursued by the authorities. He is captured, ending his immediate escape. Pip's small act of kindness toward him becomes the seed of a life-changing bond.

Miss Havisham arranges for Pip to visit her mansion regularly to provide company for Estella. Pip meets Estella, who mocks his coarse manners but still captivates him. The visits introduce him to Estella's world at Satis House.

During his visits, Pip meets Herbert Pocket and defeats him in an impromptu boxing match. The bout creates a rival yet uneasy friendship that later helps him in London. Pip's admiration for Estella grows as he longs to win her affection.

When Pip turns 14, he leaves Miss Havisham's regular visits and becomes an apprentice to Joe Gargery the blacksmith. He begins to live a simpler life at the forge, while Estella's memory haunts him. The moment marks the end of his childhood.

Estella leaves for France to learn the manners of a lady and to prepare for a calculated life of romance. Pip feels abandoned and longs for her presence while the world of Satis House recedes. Miss Havisham's influence over Estella's heart becomes more evident.

Six years pass before Pip is summoned to London by Miss Havisham's lawyer with news of a great fortune. Pip learns he has a mysterious benefactor who intends to make him a gentleman. He travels to London, stays with Herbert Pocket, and begins to discover Miss Havisham's past and her motive.

In London, Pip is reunited with Estella, who bluntly tells him she has no heart and will marry Drummle. Pip's longing and pride are wounded as he confronts the possibility of losing her to another man. Miss Havisham, suddenly pressed, begs his forgiveness for the manipulation.

Back in London, Pip learns Magwitch has returned and made a fortune in Australia. Magwitch reveals that he is Pip's benefactor and that his kindness toward Pip inspired his fortune. He declares that he regards Pip as his son and hopes for his happiness.

Pip grows suspicious of Drummle's intentions toward Estella and visits her to gauge the situation. She confirms she will marry Drummle, intensifying Pip's pain and jealousy. Meanwhile Miss Havisham's influence over Estella's fate remains a painful truth.

Pip and Herbert plot to smuggle Magwitch onto a packet ship and leave England, with Pip intending to accompany him. They are intercepted by the police, tipped off by Magwitch's old enemy. Magwitch is injured and his nemesis is killed by the ship's paddlewheels.

Magwitch tells Pip of his lost daughter, and Jaggers hints at Estella's parentage. Pip visits a dying Magwitch in prison, confessing his love for Estella and his hope for her happiness. Magwitch dies contented, seeing Pip's compassion.

Pip is struck by illness and is nursed back to health by Joe. He revisits Miss Havisham's deserted house and learns that Estella plans to live in seclusion there. Drummle's engagement is terminated after Jaggers reveals Estella's lineage.

Pip tears down the curtains, opens the boarded windows, and confesses that he has never stopped loving Estella. She hesitates, then embraces him, and they leave the house together to face the future.