Book I After the expulsion of the devils from heaven; Satan's character
Book II The council of devils in Pandemonium; the plot is laid
Book III The council in heaven; the introduction of the Son
Book IV Satan's attempt to seduce Eve
Book V Raphael teaches Adam about the War in Heaven
Book VI Raphael finishes the story of the War in Heaven
Book VII Raphael teaches Adam the story of creation
Book VIII Adam tells Raphael his and Eve's history and is warned of Satan's plot
Book IX The Fall
Book X Judgment; Satan is rejected by the council of Pandemonium; Adam and Eve reconcile
Book XI The Son intercedes for Adam and Eve; Michael delivers the sentence
Book XII The Promise of Redemption (Protevangelium); the expulsion from the Garden