Plot Summary

Stave 1: Marley's Ghost

• We open with a long description of Scrooge

• The story starts proper in his counting house where he is visited by Fred, two Portly Gentlemen, and a carol singer. 

• After eating alone he returns home and sees Jacob Marley's face on his door-knocker

• Jacob Marley arrives, draped in chains, and tells him that if he doesn't change his fate will be even worse

• Marley says that three ghosts will visit Scrooge and try to show him how to change

Stave 2: The Ghost of Christmas Past 

• The Ghost of Christmas Past is a crazy representation of the past - and it looks a bit like a candle

• They visit Scrooge's school where he sees himself as a lonely boy but was saved by his sister, Fanny

• We visit his old workplace where he remembers how much fun he had with Dick

• He then goes to see the moment his fiancee returned his ring, saying he was to materialistic

• After seeing his ex-fiancee with her new family he gets really angry and snuffs out the candle of the past

Stave 3: The Ghost of Christmas Present

• The Ghost of Christmas Present arrives sitting on a massive pile of lovely stuff

• Scrooge and the ghost visit Christmas celebrations in London, where everyone is having fun

• They then visit The Cratchit's house, where they are poor but happy

• Then they go on a tour of England's Christmases where, despite difficulties, everyone is celebrating Christmas

• They end up at Fred's dinner where Fred insists on toasting Scrooge

• At the end of the stave, the ghost reveals two children under his robe - Ignorance and Want - who he says will destroy mankind unless something is done

• A phantom approaches Scrooge

Stave 4: The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come

• The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is dressed like the Grim Reaper, as a reminder of the future that awaits us all

• He takes Scrooge to see some bankers who are talking about someone who has died - they don't really care

• Then they go to see Scrooge's old maid who is selling some of Scrooge's possessions

• Scrooge asks to see someone who is emotionally affected by the death and they visit a couple who are celebrating it  as it will ease their repayment plan

• Then they visit the Cratchits who are mourning the loss of Tiny Tim

• Then Scrooge sees his own grave and promises to be different in future

Stave 5: The End of It

• Scrooge is a new man!

• He gives Bob Cratchit a pay-rise, pays some money to the Portly Gentlemen and visits Fred's for Christmas dinner