There was once a weaver named Silas Marner. He was engaged to a woman named Sarah.

However, their engagement was broken off when William accused him of theft. This betrayal caused the whole town to turn on him and he was casted out of the Lantern Yard. He then moved to Raveloe. His occupation as a weaver was foreign and unfamiliar to the villagers. They viewed him as an outsider. Occasionally, he suffers from a fit, where he is unable to move. When the villagers found out, their superstitious behavior led them to further isolate him and their dislike for him increased. His loneliness led him to become obsessed with money. Every night, he would caress his gold and count them off one by one. This continued for fifteen years. Squire Cass is the richest man in Raveloe. He has two sons, Dunsey and Godfrey. Dunsey is cruel and greedy; he knows one of Godfreys darkest secret- he is married to Molly Farren who is an opium addict. He uses this to blackmail Godfrey. He made a deal with Godfrey, but something went wrong and he kills Godfreys beloved horse. Dunsey did not know what to do. On that night, he went to Silas house and found out he wasn't there. He discovers Silass money and steals it. When Silas found out, he was overwhelmed and went berserk. Some neighbors tried to comfort him, but to no avail. He sinks into a gloomy loom. One New Years eve, Nancy Lammeter, Godfreys love interest, attended the Squires party. Godfrey and Nancy talked and became closer. Meanwhile, Molly, Godfreys secret wife, travels outside in the cold to the Squires house, attempting to reveal her scandalous secret. She took a draft of opium, and passes out on the way. Her child, Eppie, attracted to the warm light of Silass house, wanders in. When Silas noticed her, he at first thought she was his money, but then later grows more attached to the child. He went to the Squires house to find the doctor which causes a scene. Godfrey recognized the child, but he found out Molly died, and his secret was safe. Silass love for her increased over time. With Dollys help, he raises the child with gentleness and love. Silas found happiness again with Eppie. Sixteen years later, Godfrey married Nancy and the Squire died. Nancy has a miscarriage and she does not want to adopt. Dunsey is discovered in the Stone pit with Silas stolen gold. Godfrey confesses his dark secret to Nancy, and she wished he told her earlier. They decided to claim Eppie from Silas, but both father and daughter refused their offer. That summer, Eppie got married to Aaron, Dollys son. They lived happily ever after.