Edmond Dantes, a young and successful sailor, plans to marry his beloved fiancee, Mercedes, when he is suddenly betrayed by his friends, Fernand Mondego and Danglars, who falsely accuse him of being a supporter of Napoleon Bonaparte. Edmond is arrested and sent to the Chateau d'If, where he spends 14 years in solitary confinement. While in prison, he meets the Abbe Faria, who teaches him many skills, including how to read, write, fight and think strategically.
The Abbe also tells Edmond about the treasure of Spada, which he believes to be on the small island of Monte Cristo. The two prisoners hatch a plan to escape, but the Abbe dies before they can put it into action. Edmond then sneakily takes the Abbe's place in the burial sack, which is thrown into the sea. After being rescued and making his way to the island of Monte Cristo, Edmond discovers the treasure and, with his new wealth, reinvents himself as the mysterious and wealthy Count of Monte Cristo.
Edmond returns to Paris, where he sets about seeking revenge on those who wronged him. He uses his new identity to manipulate his former friends and foes, exposing their secrets and misdeeds and causing them to suffer in various ways. Along the way, the Count falls in love with a young woman named Haydee, who is revealed to be the daughter of one of his enemies. In the end, Edmond realizes that his thirst for revenge has consumed him and he forgives his enemies, leading to a final act of redemption.