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'A Christmas Carol' is a one-act play that is supposed to be 'enacted' over the radio. So, the play depends largely on the language and the sounds.
Scrooge is a miser. He makes his clerk, Bob Cratchit work hard for him, but pays him very less. In fact, he hates giving him a holiday even for Christmas. He does not believe in Christmas and calls it 'humbug' (meaning 'nonsense').
Scrooge's partner, Jacob Marley, is dead. His ghost appears in front of him on the night before Christmas. Jacob Marley wants to 'reclaim' Scrooge. He wants to make him a better person. So, he sends three ghosts to help him perceive life differently.
The first ghost comes to him at the stroke of one. He represents Scrooge's past. He shows him scenes from his younger days.
When Scrooge sees himself as a young boy in school and later as the brother of 'sweet Fan', he repents for not having treated Fan's son Fred in a better way. He also sees Belle, whom he refused to marry, as he loved money more.
The Second Ghost represents the present. He shows Bob Cratchit's family to Scrooge. He is impressed by their love for each other. He is touched that even though he pays Bob very less, Bob prays for him. At dinner, they all drink a toast to the health of Scrooge. Bob's fifth child, Tim, is a cripple. Scrooge feels sorry for him. The Second Ghost taunts him. Scrooge repents his actions in the past. He would like to change his way of life.
The Third Ghost shows him scenes of the future. When Scrooge is shown his own death, he feels pained. He does not wish to die a hated man. He wants to become kind and loving. He wishes to change himself.
Soon, the Ghosts leave. It is the dawn of Dec 25th (Christmas). Scrooge remembers all the visions he saw the previous night. He is a changed man.
He sends a surprise gift of a huge turkey to Bob's house. He decides to increase Bob's salary, take care of Tim's medical expenses and visit Fred.
Thus, Scrooge is reclaimed. He is transformed into a soft hearted and compassionate human being.
Today, a person who is cruel and hates the joy of Christmas is often called a 'Scrooge'. Next time you read of someone who is selfish, money-minded and cruel, you could say, 'He is a Scrooge'!
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