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.
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.