The city of Paris holds a dark secret in the belltower of the Notre Dame cathedral. For there lies the mysterious bellringer, Quasimodo, the so-called Hunchback of Notre Dame. Adopted as an infant by the cruel Judge Frollo, Quasimodo has lived his entire life in Notre Dame, fearing that no one will ever understand the person that lies behind his deformed face. That changes when he meets the beautiful and kind gypsy, Esmerelda, who knows all about being persecuted for what she is. Frollo, in particular, longs to rid the city of Paris of the "gypsy vermin" and his conflicting desire for Esmerelda drives him even further over the edge, lashing the city with his tyranny. Only Quasimodo can save them from the place where Frollo's hate and prejudice has taken them.