On Manor Farm, the animals rebel against their human owner, Mr. Jones, hoping to create a society based on equality and freedom. After the revolution, the pigs take leadership and establish a new set of rules.
At first, the farm seems to be run fairly under the principles of Animalism. However, over time, the pigs—especially Napoleon—become increasingly powerful and authoritarian. They manipulate the other animals, change the commandments, and enjoy privileges just like the humans they replaced.
Gradually, the farm becomes as oppressive as it was under human control. In the end, the animals realize they can no longer tell the difference between pigs and humans, as the leaders have become exactly like those they overthrew.