The elder Martin Chuzzlewit's is a bitter man who sees money as a curse on his family. Throughout his family's history, money and greed have been a source of corruption and conflict. Mr. Chuzzlewit's has a grandson, Martin, of whom he is very fond. He has also taken on a ward named Mary Graham, who becomes his caretaker. Martin and Mary fall in love against Mr. Chuzzlewit's wishes, and since Martin refuses to renounce his feelings for Mary, he is forced to leave.