An unknown girl dies in childbirth at a county workhouse, giving birth to a son. Who is she? What will become of her child?

The child was given the name Oliver. Already the workhouse guardians are having problems with him for not following their strict orders. No one dares to ask for more gruel, and so Oliver was sent off becoming an apprentice.

Oliver has rebelled against his harsh treatment at Mr. Sowerberry's, the undertaker, and runs away to London.

Oliver runs into the Artful Dodger, who persuades him to join Fagan's criminal gang. Shortly later, Oliver gets arrested for a crime committed by the Artful Dodger.

Mr. Brownlow gets Oliver freed , but Fagin kidnaps him again.

Oliver refuses to become a pickpocket, so Fagin forces him to join Bill Sikes in a burglary.

The burglary did not go off as planned. To avoid prosecution, Bill Sikes flees from the scene, leaving Oliver, who was badly wounded behind. Later, Oliver was arrested as the burglar's accomplice.

Oliver was again freed from this predicament, being befriended by Mrs. Maylie and her adopted daughter.

Harry Maylie has arrived, but Mrs. Maylie refuses to permit his marriage to Rose. Meanwhile, the mysterious Monks is seeking secret information from the Bumbles, concerning Oliver's true identity.

The Monks has destroyed the last clue to Oliver's identity, but Nancy warned Rose of the danger.

Mr. Brownlow now reunited with Oliver, has joined with the Maylies to defeat Monk's conspiracy.