The book tells the story of Tess Durbeyfield, a poor country girl who is sent to work for the wealthy d’Urberville family. Tess is seduced by the family’s son, Alec, and becomes pregnant. She has a baby, but the child dies. Tess then returns home and marries her true love, Angel Clare. However, Angel leaves her after learning about her past. Tess eventually goes back to the d’Urbervilles and kills Alec. She is arrested and executed for his murder.