Seventeen-year-old Catherine Morland is one of ten children of a country clergyman.

Although a tomboy in her childhood, by the age of 17 she is "in training for a heroine" and is excessively fond of reading Gothic novels.

She is invited by her wealthier neighbors in Fullerton, to accompany them to visit the town of Bath and partake in the winter season of balls, theatre and other social delights.

On this visit Catherine meets a clever young gentleman, Henry Tilney, finds a new friend in Isabella Thorpe, a vivacious and flirtatious young woman, and begins her journey of self-knowledge, as she gains a better understanding of the world and those around her.