Set against the conditions leading up to the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror, French doctor Alexandre Manette serves an 18-year imprisonment in the Bastille in Paris, followed by his release to live in London with the daughter he has never met.
Lucie Manette travels to pre-revolutionary France to find her father who she assumed was dead.
Lucie appears to vouch for French émigré Charles Darnay, who is charged with high treason.
Darnay is acquitted and Stryver informs Carton of his intentions regarding Lucie.
Carton reveals his true feelings to Lucie and Barsad makes an unwelcome reappearance.
In London, Manette suffers a relapse. Meanwhile, in Paris, the Bastille is stormed.
On receipt of Gabelle's letter, Darnay returns to Paris during the Reign of Terror.
Darnay is released from prison, thanks to Manette's influence.
The day of Darnay's execution arrives and, with Barsard's assistance, Carton visits him.