Act I
The play opens in 1429 at the castle of Vaucouleurs. Joan, a young peasant girl, persuades Robert de Baudricourt to provide her with an escort to see the Dauphin (the future Charles VII). She convinces him through her unwavering belief that she is on a divine mission to drive the English out of France and crown the Dauphin as king.

Act II
Joan arrives at the Dauphin’s court. Despite initial skepticism, she wins over the Dauphin and his advisors with her conviction and piety. She predicts military victories and gains their support to lead the French army.

Act III
Under Joan’s leadership, the French achieve significant victories, including the lifting of the siege of Orléans. She persuades the Dauphin to proceed to Reims, where he is crowned King Charles VII. However, Joan's success breeds jealousy and fear among the French nobility and clergy.

Act IV
Joan is captured by the Burgundians, who sell her to the English. She faces trial for charges of heresy, witchcraft, and dressing like a man. Despite her powerful defense, she is condemned by a church court that views her visions and actions as a threat to established religious and political order.

Act V
Joan is imprisoned and eventually recants her claims under threat of execution. However, she quickly retracts her recantation, reaffirming her visions and mission. This leads to her being burned at the stake as a heretic. The play ends with an epilogue set in the future, where King Charles VII has a dream of Joan being exonerated by a papal court in 1456, acknowledging her as a martyr and saint.

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