The story begins in the Scottish Highlands introducing Tiffany Aching. She's eleven years old and is trying hard to become a witch without the help of any traditional teachers or covens. While working on her magical exercises near the chalk figure on top of the hill overlooking her home in the wee free men, also known as the Nac Mac Feegle. They're a tiny race of blue men who live underground. The Nac Mac Feegle become instantly drawn to Tiffany and pledge their loyalty.
Chapter 2: Granny Weatherwax's Cat
Tiffany arrives at Granny Weatherwax's cottage to seek her advice about becoming a witch. Granny advises Tiffany that all she needs to know about witchcraft is already inside her, and that all she has to do is believe in herself. Granny's cat, You, who happens to be a familiar, tests Tiffany's courage and loyalty by taking the shape of a large boar. Tiffany passes the test and wins You as her familiar.
Chapter 3: The Black Carriage
Tiffany and Granny Weatherwax's cat You ride out to the Chalk Circle to meet the coven. Along the way, they encounter the Dark Lord riding in a black carriage. The Dark Lord is seeking a boy named Wentworth, also known as Wentworth Prickle-Pant, who is the illegitimate son of the current Laird of the Chalk. The Dark Lord tries to trick Tiffany into handing Wentworth over to him, but Tiffany is able to resist his temptation.
Chapter 4: The Kelda
Tiffany and You arrive at the Kelda, where the witches' coven is being held. She meets the other witches, including the head witch, Miss Level, and the wise Old Mother Snap. Tiffany learns that the witches are seeking to prevent the Dark Lord from taking over the Chalk and that they believe she might be the key to defeating him.
Chapter 5: The Chalk Boy
Tiffany meets Wentworth, the boy the Dark Lord is seeking. Wentworth is a mischievous and irresponsible child, and Tiffany believes he might unwittingly lead the Dark Lord to the Chalk Circle. She decides to keep an eye on him and protect him from the Dark Lord.
Chapter 6: The Great Chalk Circle
The witches prepare for the big dance at the Chalk Circle, which is the climax of the story. The Dark Lord appears and reveals his true identity. He is actually the Winter King, who has been overthrown by the Witch Queen and locked in a glacier for a thousand years. He has been freed and is now seeking to regain his throne.
Chapter 7: The Dance of the Dead
Tiffany, Wentworth, and the witches are all trapped in the Dance of the Dead, which is a terrifying dance performed by the Winter King. Tiffany must confront the Winter King and find a way to defeat him.
Chapter 8: The Battle of the Chalk
The witches battle the Winter King and his minions in the skies above the Chalk Circle. Tiffany defeats the Dark Lord and saves the day. She is hailed as a hero and is welcomed into the coven as a full-fledged witch.