The Plague, by Albert Camus, unfolds in the city of Oran in the 1940's. Oran is a typical French port located on the Algerian coast. It's a rather boring town, where little happens and people are content to live normal lives. The story is narrated by and follows the life of a doctor by the name of Rieux. Dr. Rieux has many friends and acquaintances who all have different reactions to the tragic events that play out in the town.

The narrator's story starts on April 16, as Dr.Rieux makes routine rounds to his patients' houses and steps on a dead rat. Soon, dead rats are found all over the city, but nobody thinks much of it. Dr.Rieux is distracted from the strange situation by a man named Cottard, who has been caught trying to attempt suicide. After the incident with Cottard is put under control, Dr...