Set in stifled industrial Staffordshire in the late nineteenth century against a strong evangelical background "Anna of the Five Towns" tells of the courting of hard businessman Ephraim Tellright's daughter by prosperous and accomplished Henry Mynors. As her father's fortune grows so does Anna's understanding. She realises her legacy and responsibility for the possible ruination of her father's tenants Titus Price and his son Willie, who also loves her. Mynors is soon in partnership with Tellright. Will Anna defy the miserly Ephraim, offend Mynors, with their marriage imminent, and help the unfortunate Prices or subdue her instincts and resign herself to the way of Business?