Pip is introduced in a grave yard visiting the markers of his parents. Suddenly, he is captured by an escape convict who demands a file and food.
Pip is brought up by his Sister and her Husband Joe (a blacksmith). Mrs. Joe is seen as the antagonist as she is constantly punishing Pip and reminding him that she brought him up ‘by hand’. Conversely, Joe is Pips best friend.
...and don't you forget I brought you up by hand.
Joe’s Uncle arrives one day and says he has a great opportunity for Pip to go on a playdate at a rich woman’s house. Immediately Mrs. Joe sees this as an opportunity for Pip to make money.
At Miss. Havisham’s home Pip plays with her daughter Estella. He goes there for quite a while and eventually grows feelings for the young girl despite her scornful disposition.
It's a Jack not a knave... you are so common!
Major iniciting Conflict
Pip begins to lie to Mrs. Joe and Joe. Eventually he becomes Joe's apprentice and it very unhappy about it. He requests that Biddy tutor him at night in hopes of becoming less 'common'. It is clear that he still has hopes to be with Estella.
Pip ol' chap... you can tell me anything!
Years have passed and Pip goes to visit Miss. Havisham on her birthday hoping to see Estella but is instead meets her family and a mysterious man in the hallway. Miss. Havisham manipulates Pip and toys with his emotions by asking him personal questions about Estella.
Rising Action
You've come to see Estella, not me.
One day while Pip is at the local bar with Joe (The 3 Jolly Bargemen) a strange man appears and asks for Pip. This man tells Pip that he has been named in a large inheritance and will move to London at once.
In London Pip is required to be tutored to became a gentleman. He suspiciously is being tutored by Mr. Matthew Pocket a nephew of Miss. Havisham he also ends up rooming with Herbert Pocket son of Matthew. These coincidences lead Pip to believe that Miss. Havisham is doing this so that he may be with Estella.
During his time in London he is rebutted by Estella, treats Joe as a peasant, and begins to change into a hostile individual driven by greed and desire. Meanwhile, back home Mrs. Joe dies and Joe remarries Biddy.
Then one evening while Pip is home he has a stranger visit. The man eventually reveals his true identity and that he is Pip’s benefactor; Able Magwitch the convict from the marshes. At this time Miss. Havisham’s past is revealed and Pip is ashamed that his money came from a criminal and threatens to dessert him.
Climax
After finding out this information Pip goes to Satis house to confront Miss. Havisham. He is angry because he believes she lead him on for years and that he would eventually be with Estella. However, he recently found out she is to marry Drummle. Once there Estella gets in a fight with Miss. Havisham and the truth about her manipulation is revealed.
Both Herbert and Pip have been living beyond their means. Pip devises a plan to help him however, he will need a sizable amount of money. Despite his last encounter with Miss. Havisham he goes to her to save his friend from bankruptcy. He uses her manipulation of him to get payback, all he must do in return is forgive her. However, as he is leaving Miss. Havisham's Dress catches on fire. Pip attempts to put it out leaving both of them badly injured.
Pip ashamed of Able tries to help him escape London as they realize that they are being followed by one of Able’s old foes. While on the river attempting to flee a battle ensues and able is left injured and later dies. On Able’s death bed Pip has an epiphany and lies to Able so that he may die happy.
Falling Action
After Able's death Pip goes into a downward spiral. He is in over his head with personal credit debt. His years of living beyond his means have caught up with him and he has a breakdown when he is thrown into debtors prison.
Resolution
In the end, Pip is in debt and falls ill. When he awakes he learns that Joe has paid off all his debts. Herbert has given him a job
In the very last seen Pip returns to Satis house after Miss. Havishams death and he encounters Estella. Together they walk off holding hands.