Oroonoko falls in love with Imoinda, the daughter of his foster father, who died saving his life in battle. They exchange vows and consummate their marriage, but their happiness is short-lived, as the king, who is Oroonoko's grandfather, also desires Imoinda. He sends her the royal veil, a symbol of his intention to make her his concubine. Imoinda is forced to obey, and is taken to the king's harem, where she resists his advances.
Oroonoko is devastated by the loss of his wife, and tries to see her in secret. He manages to sneak into the harem with the help of his friend Aboan, and reunites with Imoinda. They plan to escape, but are betrayed by one of the king's wives, who informs him of their affair. The king is furious, and sells Oroonoko and Imoinda to a British slave trader, who takes them to Suriname.
In Suriname, Oroonoko and Imoinda are separated and sold to different plantations. Oroonoko is bought by a kind and fair man, named Trefry, who recognizes his noble qualities and treats him well. Trefry also tells Oroonoko that Imoinda is alive, and that he has bought her for himself. Oroonoko is overjoyed, and begs Trefry to let him see her. Trefry agrees, and arranges a meeting between the lovers.
Oroonoko and Imoinda are reunited, and Trefry gives them a cabin to live in. They resume their marriage, and Imoinda becomes pregnant. However, their happiness is again threatened, as the governor of Suriname, a cruel and greedy man named Byam, decides to take Imoinda for himself. He also fears that Oroonoko will incite a rebellion among the slaves, and plots to capture and punish him.
Oroonoko, aware of Byam's intentions, decides to lead a revolt against the plantation owners. He gathers a group of loyal and brave slaves, and marches towards the town. However, he is deceived by an old slave, who promises to join him, but instead alerts Byam of his plan. Byam sends a troop of soldiers to stop Oroonoko, and a fierce battle ensues. Oroonoko and his men fight valiantly, but are outnumbered and overpowered. Oroonoko is wounded and captured, along with some of his followers.
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