V for Vendetta Summary

In an imagined near-future dystopian Britain, a neo-fascist party known as Norsefire establishes postwar order following a devastating nuclear war. This regime, which is centered on racism, homophobia, and xenophobia, conducts horrifying atrocities in Resettlement Camps, imprisoning, torturing, and murdering citizens they consider undesirable. The authoritarian government, under the leadership of Adam Susan, imposes severe restrictions on its survivors, who also grapple with food scarcity and disease. A ubiquitous surveillance network and aggressive suppression of dissent secure their power, while state-produced propaganda misinforms and manipulates the public.

The story introduces us to a character known as V, who dons a Guy Fawkes mask, referencing a historical figure who famously attempted to blow up the House of Lords in 1605. After rescuing Evey Hammond, a young woman forced into prostitution by the dire circumstances, from a violent encounter with secret police, V orchestrates the destruction of the Houses of Parliament. He brings Evey to his abode, the Shadow Gallery, which houses various forms of cultural artifacts that the regime tried to eradicate. V's mission of vengeance against those responsible for the atrocities at Larkhill Resettlement Camp is gradually revealed, as he kidnaps and confronts the camp’s former commander Lewis Prothero. V forces Prothero to confront the horrors enacted at the camp, asserting that he was not merely following orders but was complicit in the horrific acts.

As the narrative progresses, V systematically eliminates those who were involved in the crimes against humanity committed at Larkhill. Meanwhile, investigator Eric Finch uncovers more about the camp's dark history through the diary of another of V's targets, Dr. Delia Surridge. V also uses his platform to critique not only tyrants but those who enable them through their silence and complacency. After a simulated imprisonment experience orchestrated by V, Evey gains a new understanding of freedom and personal integrity. In the wake of rising chaos and turmoil in London, V’s vision of a stateless society where people are free to govern themselves begins to take shape. After V's death, Evey takes up his revolutionary cause, advocating for a society that prioritizes freedom and self-determination.