Initially, Faustus, the protagonist, is dissatisfied with his studies and believes he has exhausted all humanly attainable knowledge. He instructs his servant Wagner to fetch Valdes and Cornelius to assist him in learning the secrets of magic. Prior to their arrival, Faustus is met by both a Good Angel and an Evil Angel who attempt to sway him towards aligning with either God or Satan. Upon the arrival of the two individuals, Faustus discloses his intent to attempt a conjuration during the night.
In the following scene, two scholars from the university come across Wagner and inquire about Faustus’ whereabouts. Wagner informs them that Faustus is currently dining with Valdes and Cornelius. Concerned for Faustus’ well-being, the scholars decide to meet with the rector in order to intervene and potentially save him from any impending harm.
Faustus summons Mephistophilis, who appears in an ugly form. Faustus commands him to leave and return as a friar. Faustus takes pride in his ability to summon a demon, but Mephistophilis clarifies that he came not because Faustus summoned him, but because Faustus renounced the Trinity. Faustus asks how Mephistophilis managed to leave hell, to which the latter explains that hell is wherever God is absent. Faustus then instructs Mephistophilis to inform Lucifer that he is willing to give his soul to obtain anything he desires for the next twenty-four years.
Wagner encounters Robin the clown and issues a threat of being torn apart by countless lice if he refuses to become his servant. In addition, Wagner summons Belcher, a devil, to assist Robin in making his choice. Ultimately, Robin agrees to serve Wagner for a duration of seven years.
Faustus is alone in his study contemplating the opposing persuasions of the Bad Angel and Good Angel. He becomes consumed with thoughts of the wealth he will attain, leading him down an unholy path. At this moment, Mephistophilis emerges and assures Faustus that Lucifer will indeed fulfill the contract’s conditions. Despite being interrupted twice, Faustus proceeds to sign the contract. Afterwards, Faustus expresses a desire for a wife, but Mephistophilis dissuades him by emphasizing the superficiality of marriage and instead offers Faustus the prospect of waking up to a new woman every morning.
Later in the study, Faustus and Mephistophilis return, and Faustus contemplates heaven once again. Overwhelmed with distress, he decides to renounce Mephistophilis and the magic bestowed upon him. The Good and the Bad angels reappear; one urging Faustus to repent, while the other informs him it is too late. Filled with fear, Faustus calls upon Jesus for help. Instantly, Lucifer arrives with Beelzebub and Mephistophilis to soothe his worries. Lucifer proceeds to display the seven deadly sins to Faustus, causing him to once again forget about Jesus. Subsequently, when everyone has departed, Robin enters with one of Faustus’ conjuring books and attempts a spell for Dick.
Faustus decides to visit the Pope, so Mephistophilis renders him unseen. Once invisible, Faustus proceeds to engage in mischievous antics that involve the Pope and the friars. These pranks escalate to the point where both the Pope and the friars are physically harmed and fireworks are thrown at them.
Later, an emperor requests Faustus to showcase his magical powers. However, one of the emperor’s knights mocks Faustus and questions his skills. In response, Faustus creates a vision depicting Alexander and his lover and also places horns on the knight’s head. The emperor is astonished by these feats and asks Faustus to remove the horns, which he promptly does.
Several men later discuss the events involving Faustus. One individual, identified as a carter, made a proposition to Faustus, offering him unlimited hay consumption for a small fee. Faustus accepted the offer and proceeded to consume the entire load of hay. Another man named Robin experienced a transformation in his facial appearance resembling that of an ape after encountering Faustus. Furthermore, a horse-courser acquired a horse from Faustus but was astonished to discover that when ridden in water, it transformed into hay instead. Feeling frustrated with this outcome, the man approached Faustus’ residence demanding reimbursement. Upon discovering Faustus asleep, he attempted to awaken him by tugging on his leg but inadvertently ended up completely severing it.
Faustus is in a court, talking with a duke and duchess. He asks the duchess what she wants, and she answers. Then, Faustus tells Mephistophilis to get some grapes, which surprises the duke and duchess because it’s winter. Suddenly, some people that Faustus tricked before come in and threaten him. But Faustus uses his magic to make them unable to speak.
Wagner informs that his master is nearing death. Faustus enters with two scholars discussing the world’s most beautiful women. Faustus introduces Helen and bids farewell to the scholars. An elderly man approaches, urging Faustus to seek forgiveness from God. Mephistophilis intervenes, warning Faustus that embracing God’s forgiveness will result in excruciating torment. This terrifies Faustus to the extent that he once again signs a contract with his own blood.
Faustus informs the scholars about his pact with the devil and dismisses them to the adjacent room. In his final moments, he appears to meticulously tally each passing second until the demons ultimately emerge, cruelly dismember him, and forcefully transport him to the depths of hell.
The core conflict of the play lies within Faustus as he struggles between indulging his desires and following what is morally right. Consequently, Faustus assumes the roles of both the protagonist and antagonist throughout the play.
The play reaches its climax in the protagonist’s final hour when the demons descend to seize him.
