Edmund is a simple, poor, but happy-go-lucky guy who, at the beginning of the story, is good friends with Fernand. The two share a seemingly close bond, but the wealthy and aristocratic Fernand is secretly jealous of Edmund and deeply resents the fact that although he has immense wealth and access to things poor people don’t, he still wants to be Edmund. This is further reinforced by his desire for Edmund’s soon-to-be wife. So, when an exiled Napoleon tricks the naïve Edmund into delivering what he tells him is just an innocent letter back to France (but is really instructions for a spy), Fernand has all the ammunition he needs to make sure Edmund is sent away for life. Edmund is accused of treason by corrupt officials and is relegated to a brutal prison where he is presumed to have been killed. In turn, Fernand scoops up Edmund’s girlfriend and makes her his own wife.

The rest of the story is more or less predictable, but is delivered in a fast-paced and entertaining way. Edmund stays holed-up in the prison for years, but makes the best use of his time with fellow inmate Faria. Faria educates him to be a scholar and also hones his skill to be a fighter. The two also spend their years slowly digging a tunnel for their eventual escape. Should they manage to escape (is there really a question?), Faria knows of a treasure that can make the person who finds it wealthy beyond anyone’s dreams. When Edmund finally gets out of prison he changes his identity and becomes the Count of Monte Cristo. He uses everything he’s learned and the new wealth he’s gained to exact revenge on those who hurt him.