A hardworking mother, Mildred Pierce, strives to provide for her two daughters after separating from her unemployed husband. In the face of hardship, she demonstrates resilience by starting work as a waitress, despite her middle-class background and initial distaste for such positions. Her ambitions are primarily driven by the desire to satisfy the expensive tastes and lofty social aspirations of her eldest daughter, Veda. Balancing the dual roles of provider and mother, Mildred's determination and culinary skills lead her to success, as she eventually becomes the owner of a growing chain of restaurants. Her personal sacrifice and relentless commitment to her children are linchpins of her character.

Meanwhile, her relationship with Veda becomes increasingly strained; her daughter's materialistic values and scorn for working-class origins spur conflict and emotional turmoil. In her pursuit of wealth and status, Mildred makes choices that imperil both her personal happiness and her business enterprise. Veda's ingratitude and betrayal escalate as she exploits the societal vulnerabilities of the era. The friction between mother and daughter captures the emotional core of the narrative, as Mildred grapples with the consequences of her ambitious drive and the complexities of parental love intertwined with societal expectations and personal dreams.