The film begins with Meggie's father, Mo, reading aloud from a book called "Inkheart," written by a fictional author named Fenoglio. Unbeknownst to Mo, his reading brings three characters from the book into the real world: Capricorn, a ruthless and cunning villain; Dustfinger, a fire-juggler; and Basta, a loyal and intimidating henchman. However, Mo's wife, Resa, is also transported into the book, leaving Meggie without a mother.