Bruno is a nine-year-old German boy who lived in Germany until his father was reassigned to “Out-With” by the “Fury.” Bruno is bored there and does not like his new home so he begins exploring his new surroundings. He is confused about the people on the other side of the fence near his house because they wear striped pajamas and seem sad. He becomes friends with a boy on the other side of the fence and they meet daily to talk about their lives until something tragic happens.