Set in Paris, France, circa 1482, the story introduces 'Quasimodo', the deformed bell-ringer of the Notre Dame Church, at the 'Festival Of Fools', where he is crowned the 'Pope of the Fools''.
Meanwhile 'Esmeralda', a beautiful Gypsy with a kind heart, captures the hearts of 'Captain Phoebus', Quasimodo and his adopted father, 'Claude Frollo', Archdeacon of Notre Dame.
Frollo, torn between his lust and the rules of the church, orders Quasimodo to kidnap Esmerelda, but during the attempt, the hunchback is captured by Phoebus and his guards. After Quasimodo is tied and whipped, Esmeralda, seeing his thirst, offers him water and captures his heart.
Esmeralda is later charged with the attempted murder of Phoebus (who Frollo attempted to kill in jealousy) and is sentenced to death by hanging. As she is being led to the gallows, Quasimodo swings down by the bell rope of Notre Dame and carries her off to the cathedral under the law of 'sanctuary'.
The 'Truands' (criminals of Paris) rally and charge the cathedral, but Quasimodo drives them off.
Frollo then betrays Esmeralda by handing her to the troops and watches as she is hanged. In retribution, Quasimodo pushes Frollo from the heights of Notre Dame to his death.
