After his death, Moll marries a tradesman who absconds to France when the funds run out. She then nabs a sea captain (husband number three) who spirits her off to his Virginia plantation until she learns a shocking family secret and returns to England alone.

Moll Flanders, born in Newgate prison and handed over to gypsies, is taken into the Mayor of Colchester's household where she falls for her first love, who foists her onto his brother and into a loveless marriage when difficulties arise in their affair.