Far from the Madding Crowd

Bathsheba Everdene inherits her uncle's farm and decides to leave her previous life behind to run it herself. While working on her aunt's farm, she meets neighbouring farmer Gabriel Oak, who eventually proposes to her. She declines his proposal, citing her desire for independence, setting the stage for her future decisions.

Gabriel Oak's new sheepdog accidentally herds his entire flock off a steep cliff, leaving him penniless and forcing him to seek new employment. This incident marks a turning point in his life, forcing him to leave his farm and start anew.

Gabriel arrives at Weatherbury, where he saves the barn from a fire and is hired as a shepherd by Bathsheba. His practical skills and character impress her, making him a key figure at her farm.

Bathsheba, at a fair, sends Boldwood a Valentine as a joke, which offends and intrigues him. This event sparks Boldwood's romantic obsession with her, influencing future events.

Boldwood, taken with her, invites Bathsheba to his home and proposes marriage. She delays her answer, and Gabriel criticizes her for playing with Boldwood's affections. This leads her to dismiss Gabriel temporarily.

Against Gabriel's advice, Bathsheba secretly marries Sergeant Troy after a flirtatious encounter. Troy begins to show his darker side, and their marriage becomes troubled.

Troy's gambling and recklessness lead to the death of his pregnant lover Fanny Robin, whose coffin is mistakenly brought to Bathsheba's farm. Troy reveals his feelings for Fanny, deepening the tragedy.

After his feelings for Fanny surface and amid his debts, Troy fakes his drowning by swimming far out into the ocean. He remains absent, believed dead, creating hope and tension among the characters.

Boldwood, enraged by Troy's return and his betrayal, kills Troy with a shotgun during an encounter at Bathsheba's estate. Boldwood is imprisoned for the act, and this marks a tragic climax in the story.

Gabriel announces his intention to leave for America, feeling the farm's future is secure. Bathsheba chases after him on horseback, expressing her feelings and hinting at a potential reconciliation.

Bathsheba admits that Gabriel only needs to ask once more if he is to propose again. They share a passionate kiss and walk back together, hinting at a new beginning for their relationship.