In a bustling 19th-century Chicago, a young and naive woman named Carrie Meeber arrives from the countryside, eager to find her place in the world. Her search for employment lands her in a clothing factory, where the work is grueling and demeaning. Dissatisfied with her bleak circumstances, Carrie dreams of climbing the social ladder. She catches the eye of Charles Drouet, a charming yet shallow traveling salesman who offers her an indulgent lifestyle. Carrie initially hesitates but eventually succumbs to Drouet's persuasions, leaving her factory life behind.

Meanwhile, George Hurstwood, a successful but married restaurant manager, becomes infatuated with Carrie. Hurstwood's prosperous veneer masks a restless dissatisfaction and a troubled marriage with his domineering wife. As he longs for an escape, his connection with Carrie deepens into a passionate affair. However, the luxury and ease that he promises her come at an immense personal cost. As tensions rise, both Carrie and Hurstwood find their lives unraveling, entangled in a web of societal expectations, ambition, and the consequences of their choices. Their journey illuminates the harsh realities of love and desire, set against the backdrop of rapid industrial growth.