Plot summary - Edexcel A Christmas Carol - Key plot details
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an old man who transforms his miserly ways after four ghostly visits one Christmas Eve.
On Christmas Eve, Scrooge makes his clerk, Bob Cratchit, work in the cold.
He refuses an invitation to his nephew Fred's Christmas party and will not give money to the charity collectors.
At home he is visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Marley.
The Ghost of Christmas Past wakes Scrooge and shows him moments from his childhood, his apprenticeship and his failed engagement.
The Ghost of Christmas Present takes him to the Cratchit's home, where he is saddened by the ill, but kind, Tiny Tim. He is also shown how Fred celebrates Christmas with friends and how others celebrate Christmas together.
The final ghost is the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come who terrifies Scrooge with visions of his death.
Scrooge awakes on Christmas Day and is delighted to find he has the chance to repent of his miserly ways. He buys a turkey for the Cratchits and attends his nephew's party.
Scrooge becomes like a second father to Tiny Tim and gains a reputation for knowing how to celebrate Christmas.