In the midst of a war, a transport plane carrying a group of English boys is shot down over the ocean. It crashes in a thick jungle on a deserted island. Scattered by the wreck, the surviving boys lose each other. The pilot is nowhere to be found. Wondering where everyone is, Ralph, one of the older boys, blows into a conch shell to let the other boys know where he is. When every one is together they elect Ralph as their leader. The choir boys are appointed hunters; Jack, the leader of the choir, is made leader of hunters. Next, Jack, Ralph, and a choir boy named Simon explored the island and they find a steep hill they decide is perfect for them. They head back to the other boys.
Jack, Ralph, and Simon get back and Ralph blows the conch shell to summon the boys for a meeting. He tells them that there is plenty of edible fruit on the island and that if they work together they will be able to survive; also that they will need hunters to kill animals for meat. Ralph declares that at meetings, the conch shell will be used to determine which boy has the right to speak. Whoever holds the conch shell will speak, and the others will listen silently until they receive the shell in their turn. The boys then set a signal fire in the central mountain of the island so passing boats will see. In setting the fire they set a group of trees on fire and in the blaze loose the youngest boy.
Ralph and Simon attempt to build huts for the boys but become increasingly annoyed because they keep falling down before they are finished. Ralph is also annoyed that none of the other boys want to help in making the huts or anything for that matter. Jack comes back from hunting and will not help with the huts either so Ralph and Jack have a fight and begin to dislike each other. Simon, leaves and with the younger children finds a very peaceful part that he likes.
Life is now a daily rhythm: mourning is pleasant, with cool air and sweet smells, and the boys are able to play happily.