Great Expectations follows Pip, an orphan raised harshly by his sister and lovingly by the blacksmith, Joe. Pip’s life of poverty is shaped by two early encounters: first, his terrifying meeting with the escaped convict, Abel Magwitch, whom he secretly aids, creating a lifelong secret. Second, his introduction to Miss Havisham, the wealthy, eccentric spinster living in perpetual decay, and her beautiful, cold adopted daughter, Estella. Estella’s cruel disdain for Pip's "commonness" ignites his profound desire to abandon his life and become a sophisticated gentleman.
