Dr. Lydgate, a young and ambitious doctor arrives in the town of Middlemarch and is immediately drawn into local politics. Dorothea Brooke marries Reverend Casaubon against her family's wishes. Fred Vincy, the mayor's son, gets in debt and must ask for help of the parents of the girl he loves.

Mr. Casaubon sends an ultimatum to Will Ladislaw. Dorothea's life undergoes great upheaval. Dr. Lydgate's and his wife Rosamond's financial troubles begin.