The Princess Bride Summary

The narrative unfolds with a beautiful maiden named Buttercup, residing on a farm with her parents and their laborer, Westley. A visitation by Florinese royalty triggers a profound realization in Buttercup - she is deeply in love with Westley, a man she has known her entire life. But fate would have it that Westley must leave to seek his fortune in America, only to be reportedly killed by the infamous Dread Pirate Roberts. This leaves Buttercup devastated and she swears never to fall in love again. Meanwhile, Prince Humperdinck is gearing up for his ascension to the throne of Florin post his father, King Lotharon’s imminent demise. After a mishap involving the princess of Guilder, Count Rugen introduces him to Buttercup, who he then decides to marry.

As the narrative proceeds, Buttercup gets kidnapped by a trio of criminals - Vizzini, Fezzik, and Inigo. Their journey takes them to the cliffs on Guilder’s coast, where they are pursued by a mysterious man in black who manages to defeat them. The man in black is revealed to be Westley, the man presumed dead and Buttercup’s lost love. Their reunion, however, is short-lived as they encounter Humperdinck, leading to Buttercup agreeing to return to Florin to save Westley. What follows is a series of events with Westley being tortured, Buttercup pining for her love, and Humperdinck plotting to murder Buttercup to instigate a war.

The climax consists of Inigo and Fezzik embarking on a perilous quest through the Zoo of Death to save Westley. A miracle pill crafted by Miracle Max and his wife brings Westley back to life who then devices a plan to invade the castle. Meanwhile, Buttercup marries Humperdinck, planning to end her life until she finds Westley alive. The climax comprises of Inigo avenging his loss by killing Count Rugen, Buttercup holding Humperdinck captive, and Fezzik appearing with four horses for their escape. Although the narrative ends in uncertainty, it is assumed that the group escapes and lives a rather imperfect happily ever after.