A terrifying encounter on the marshes with an escaped convict and a summons from the mysterious Miss Havisham change orphan Pip's life forever. He dares to believe he might be destined for a future beyond the marshes —a future linked to that of the beautiful Estella.

Pip wants nothing to do with Magwitch and rushes to confront Miss Havisham. At Satis House he learns that Estella may be lost to him. Back in London, Wemmick warns him that the penalty for Magwitch's return from Australia will be hanging. Now Pip must help him escape.

Pip starts his new life as a gentleman in London, quickly acquiring expensive tastes and mounting debts. He falls deeper in love with Estella and escorts her around town. As his twenty-first birthday approaches, Pip waits for his benefactor and their intentions to be revealed.