Roland Wright has just moved into a new block of flats which has a broken lift and a dangerous staircase. Being bright and intelligent, he is a natural victim for the Ripper, leader of the gang who haunts the stairways.

Roland wakes up to find himself in the strange world of the Castle, where he meets Vein, the keeper of the keys.

Fleeing from Hawkspur and Ergon, Roland is confronted by the Warrior. Narrowly escaping, he meets the Lady, a glamorous, self-styled clairvoyant.

Roland is captured by a castle guard and sent to the kitchens as a skivvy. He plans to escape, but is betrayed and trapped in the Castle.

Roland attempts to argue his case in front of the Lord, and after some difficulty, he gets through the ante-chamber to face the Warrior.

Roland decides to make numerous changes before he escapes but everyone is plotting against him.

Roland is put on trial, where all the witnesses are hostile. He then meets his old enemy, Ripper, for a final confrontation.