The Mayor of Casterbridge tells the story of Michael Henchard, a young man who, in a moment of drunken rage, auctions off his wife and young daughter at a country fair.

In his sober regret, he swears to abstain from alcohol for twenty-one years.

He goes on to be successful, as the Mayor of the fictional town of Casterbridge, but he is disliked, still retaining the impulsive, violent temper that led to the loss of his family.

His secrets and lies eventually ensnare him and his downfall allows for author Thomas Hardy's thematic exploration of responsibility, character, and the inevitable revelation of truth.