In a Victorian London, Nicholas is a young idealist who, after the death of his father, faces a life full of adversities. Forced to leave his home, he goes to his uncle, Ralph Nickleby, a greedy and selfish man who sees his nephew as merely a profit opportunity. Ralph, who runs a very unconventional and cruel school, quickly turns Nicholas's life into a genuine ordeal. However, the young man, endowed with an indomitable spirit, refuses to be discouraged.
As he tries to adapt to his new life, Nicholas befriends some of the suffering students at the school, who endure mistreatment and disdain. Together, they form a bond that will unite them in their struggle for justice. As the story progresses, Nicholas falls in love with a young noblewoman, who represents a beacon of hope in his dark existence.
With a mix of momentum and determination, Nicholas decides to challenge his uncle and fight for the justice and well-being of his friends. Through emotional encounters, family intrigues, and a fiercely moral approach, Nicholas's journey intertwines with a varied cast of colorful characters who stand out in a captivating tale. The fate of all is shaped by Nicholas's commitment and his desire to do what is right, in an exciting struggle between good and evil that reflects the essence of the human spirit.