Oliver Twist was born into the workhouse an illegitimate orphan. Like many other boys, he is slowly starved in the workhouse, poorly treated and often humbled and humiliated. When the boys agree that they should do something about the tiny amount of food they receive, Oliver draws the short straw and has to summon up enough courage to demand more gruel one dinnertime. The outrage of the establishment at this request sends Oliver to work for Mr Sowerbury, the undertaker.

The conditions here are no better than where he came from, so Oliver decides to seek his fortune in London. Here, after a perilous journey, he makes the acquaintance of the pickpockets and criminals Artful Dodger, Fagin and Bill Sikes. Winding his way through the underworld, Oliver gains strength in himself. Holding true to the values of honour and duty, he ends up with what he deserves, a family of his own and the company of kind-hearted people.