After his wife dies in childbirth, Paul Dombey Senior is given with the unwanted presence of his sister and the assistance of a jolly caregiver to look after his neglected daughter Florence and his newborn son, Paul Dombey Junior.

After Florence is returned home by young Walter Gay, Mr. Dombey dismisses Polly, leaving his children in the full care of Susan Nipper. As they grow up, Mr. Dombey teaches Paul the ways of money and business.

Polly and Susan Nipper have taken little Florence and her baby brother Paul to visit the Toodle family, in the hope of seeing Polly's son, Biler. On the way home, Florence is separated from the others and lost.

Florence has been found by Walter Gay. A friendship begins between them. Baby Paul grows up into a strange, old fashioned little boy. Worried about the child's poor health, Mr. Dombey has sent him to Mrs. Pinchin's school in Brighton.

Walter Gay has been told that he is to be sent to the West Indies. Little Paul's health has worsened, and he has collapsed at school.

Little Paul's death has left Mr. Dombey heartbroken. Walter has said goodbye to Florence and set off for the West Indies.

Shattered by the death of young Paul, Mr. Dombey has gone to Leamington Spa. Major Bagstock introduces him to Mrs. Skewton and her daughter Edith. Meanwhile Captain Cuttle and Florence are waiting for news of Walter, whose ship is missing.

Walter Gay's ship has been given up for lost, and Sol Gills has disappeared, leaving Captain Cuttle in charge of his shop. Although she does not love him, Edith has accepted Mr Dombey's proposal of marriage.

Mr Dombey and Edith have married, but there is a growing coldness between them. Finally, Dombey's criticisms of his wife's conduct lead to a serious quarrel.

To revenge herself upon Dombey, Edith has run away with Carker. Furious and humiliated, Dombey has turned on Florence, who has fled to Captain Cuttle for refuge.