Pip, a young Philip Pirrip, is destined to work as an apprentice for his destitute blacksmith brother-in-law. However, three odd individuals?an escaped prisoner, a tragic woman, and a charming young girl?change his course of events. When Pip receives a significant amount of money from a mysterious donor, his life is immediately changed. For his new life as a wealthy and successful young gentleman, Pip has "high expectations." Has his life actually improved, declined, or remained the same?