The story begins with Clopin, the leader of the gypsies, telling the story of Quasimodo.
Born to a poor gypsy woman and ugly of face, he becomes the prisoner of Frollo, the Minister of Justice. His life as Bell Ringer at Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, is brightened only by his 3 friends, the Gargoyles. These very funny characters encourange him to go down to the City and experience freedom for the first time.
Disguised in a cloak, he discovers a city celebrating "The Festival of Fools". Here, he meets Esmeralda with her gypsy friends, and Grandma our Pantomime Dame, also attending the Festival with her granddaughter Meg. The prize for the ugliest face is awarded at the Festival to Quasimodo, making him the King of Fools.
Phoebus, the new Captain of the Palace is our principal boy. Here at the Festival he meets and falls in love with Esmeralda. Frollo despises the gypsies and orders Phoebus to rid the city of these people. Esmeralda escapes to the sanctuary of the Cathedral where she meets Quasimodo and they become friends, with Quasimodo instantly falling in love with her.
Being a high-spirited gypsy girl, Esmeralda escapes to the gypsy "Hall of Miracles", giving Quasimodo a map of how to find her. Together with Phoebus, he goes to find the hideaway, only to discover that Emeralda loves Phoebus.
The story ends happily of course, Frollo being destroyed and Esmeralda and Phoebus marrying in Notre Dame Cathedral. Quasimodo finds a brand new friend in Meg, the granddaughter, and the City celebrates a special gypsy wedding.