In the coastal city of Oran, Dr. Bernard Rieux initially pays little attention to the emergence of a strange phenomenon involving the city's rats. Despite the increasing number of dead rodents, Rieux is preoccupied with personal matters, particularly his wife's departure for a sanatorium due to her ongoing illness. As the rat problem escalates, Rieux's concerns shift towards a growing epidemic that will soon grip the entire city: the plague.

An Ominous Beginning

Dr. Rieux, a busy physician, dismisses the odd behavior of rats found dead with bloodstains as an inconvenience. The morning discovery of three at his doorstep is merely another chore for the grumbling concierge. His mind is occupied with more pressing concerns, such as his wife’s health and her impending departure to a sanatorium, leaving his mother to manage the household in her absence.

Persistent Interference

Adding to Rieux's burdens is Raymond Rambert, a journalist eager to write about the living conditions of Oran's working class. Rieux, however, is wary of supporting Rambert's story, knowing full well that any truthful account would face censorship. Rambert’s persistence tests Rieux’s patience, as the city slowly becomes enveloped by a greater threat.

Signs of an Epidemic

The city of Oran witnesses a disturbing rise in the number of deceased rats, prompting daily collections by trucks. People inadvertently tread upon these furry carcasses in the dark, adding to the growing sense of unease. Rieux’s concerns deepen when his concierge falls ill with a fever and painful swellings, symptoms that echo in reports from his medical colleagues.

The Plague Identified

Despite mounting evidence, the prefect hesitates to act, fearing mass panic. The voice of caution is drowned out when one courageous doctor identifies the sickness as bubonic plague. As the death toll reaches thirty daily, the authorities are forced to confront the crisis. A telegram from central authorities mandates immediate action, confirming what the city feared: Oran is under siege by the plague.

Despair and Eccentricity

Dr. Rieux becomes involved with Cottard, a man who has attempted suicide but was saved by Joseph Grand, Rieux’s former patient. Cottard’s eccentricity piques Rieux's curiosity, yet no clear reason for his drastic action emerges. Meanwhile, Grand, a timid and overlooked clerk, finds solace in the laborious process of writing a novel, though years have yielded only a single sentence that he continually revises.

Personal Struggles and Inner Reflections

Jean Tarrou, another resident of Oran, maintains a detailed diary of the plague's impact. Estranged from his family due to his distaste for his father’s role as a prosecutor, he has roamed as a political agitator. Disillusioned by the execution of his ideals, Tarrou finds new purpose in organizing sanitation efforts in Oran amid the plague.

Disruptions and Isolation

The plague brings radical changes to daily life. The old man who entertained himself by attracting and spitting on neighborhood cats loses his pastime when authorities cull pets as a precautionary measure. With the town sealed off, communication with the outside world dwindles to sporadic telegraphs, leaving residents isolated and anxious.

Dealing with Death

Oran’s cemeteries quickly reach capacity, forcing the city to resort to cremation of remains from older graves to make space. As the plague worsens, mass graves are dug, first separating men from women, then indiscriminately burying all. The transportation of bodies becomes a grim task carried out with repurposed streetcars, a testament to the disease's toll.

Medical Efforts and Spiritual Dilemmas

Dr. Rieux oversees one of the infirmary’s new wards, yet finds his efforts stymied by ineffective serum from Paris. Desperate measures are employed to alleviate suffering, while his colleague Castel works tirelessly on...