Michael Henchard, a drunken farm worker, auctions off his wife Susan and baby daughter, Elizabeth-Jane, at a country fair for five guineas to a sailor named Newson. When sober, Henchard swears not to touch alcohol for 21 years and channels his energies into hard work. His dedication pays off and as the years pass, he becomes wealthy, respected and eventually, the Mayor of Casterbridge.

Michael’s reckless decision from long ago changes the path of his destiny forever. He finds himself consumed with anger and jealousy brought on by a series of misfortunes. Will he be able to keep his wife, his daughter, fortune and the mayorship?