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.

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.

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.

Sikes kills Nancy for her attempt to save Oliver. Now that the police is closing in on the accused murderer, Fagin decides to disband his criminal gang.