When the father of the Nickleby family dies, they are left destitute, and their luxurious existence comes to an end. They hope to get help from an uncle in London, but they only want to exploit him. He gives the daughter shelter, because her charming appearance can attract new investments. Nicholas Jr. is sent to a school as a French teacher, where the children are severely abused. He hangs out with a crippled boy who works as a servant and wants to seek freedom with him.