James, a ten year old orphan lives in the countryside with his austere aunt, Mrs De Ropp. Mrs De Ropp does not love James and seems to take delight in thwarting him under the guise of taking care of his poor health. James’ only comfort is the sanctuary he has created for himself in the unused tool shed, in which he keeps two pets, a hen and a ferret which he fears and comes to venerate as a god. Little by little, the animal he idolised as Sredni Vashtar turns into a vengeful and merciless god.