A 19-year-old sailor is falsely imprisoned for treason in the island fortress Château d'If near Marseille without trial. Escaping after many years in captivity and becoming the Count of Monte Cristo.

Edmond, imprisoned for ten years, meets Abbé Faria, a fellow inmate digging an escape tunnel, sparking a chance at freedom.

Edmond arrives in Marseille and learns that his father has died, that Mercedes has married and moved to Paris. During his visit to Mrseille, he encounters a young Italian man named Jacopo with whom he escapes to Italy by boat. After an evening at Jacopo's home, Edmond borrows Jacopo's boat and navigates to the Island of Monte-Cristo in search of the lost treasure.

Edmond frees the slave Haydée, daughter of Ali Pascha, and takes her to Paris. At a ball, Haydée reveals that Fernand betrayed her father. Mercedes begins to suspect that there is something wrong with the count's identity.

Edmond introduces Vampa, now in the role of the wealthy Count of Spada, to society. Spada says he came to Paris to find a wife. Edmond convinces old Noirtier to reveal a secret.

Edmond finds Villefort's illegitimate son Gaston, who has become a thief. Danglars reveals Fernand's betrayal in Algeria, Fernand's son Albert becomes enraged and challenges Edmond to a duel.

Edmond exposes Heloise's poisoning plot. Midwife testifies against father at Gaston's infanticide trial. Years later, Edmond reunites with Mercedes in Marseille, questioning ability to love again.