Plot Overview

The novel has a convoluted plot about two distant cousins both named Allan Armadale. The father of one had murdered the father of the other (the two fathers are also named Allan Armadale).

Story Beginning

The story starts with a deathbed confession by the murderer in the form of a letter to be given to his baby son when he grows up.

Later Developments

Many years are skipped over. The son, mistreated at home, runs away from his mother and stepfather, and takes up a wandering life under the assumed name of Ozias Midwinter.