Cathy Earnshaw's father adopts a Gypsy orphan, Heathcliff, and the two children fall in love playing make-believe, though Cathy's brother, Hindley, hates Heathcliff. As an adult Hindley eventually comes to control the estate and immediately banishes Heathcliff. Heathcliff returns years later, a wealthy man, and purchases surrounding estates and marries Cathy's sister-in-law out of spite. Consumed with jealousy and rage, Cathy and Heathcliff begin to drive each other mad.