In a quaint English country house, Sir Clifford Chatterley resides with his wife, Constance. After suffering severe injuries in World War I, he finds himself paralyzed from the waist down, reliant on a wheelchair. While Constance strives to fulfill her role as a devoted wife, her husband remains emotionally distant, leaving her feeling empty and disconnected.
One fateful day, when the maid falls ill, Constance takes it upon herself to seek out Parkin, the gamekeeper, for some pheasants to serve at dinner. As she approaches his hut nestled in the woods, she catches sight of him, half-naked and washing, a sight that leaves her both intrigued and unsettled.
Plagued by a deepening depression that her doctor insists has no physical cause, Constance is encouraged to take control of her life, unlike her mother did before her. Upon learning that the first daffodils have appeared in the woods, she decides to gather some, but soon finds herself exhausted and in need of rest. Reluctantly, Parkin allows her to take a break on the steps of his hut, where she eventually dozes off. Feeling a newfound sense of peace there, Constance resolves to visit more often and inquires about a duplicate key. Despite her husband's insistence that he does not have one, she turns to Parkin, who, as an employee, eventually accommodates her request.
Constance begins frequenting the hut, gradually growing interested in Parkin's quiet life. One day, while holding a newly hatched pheasant chick, she is suddenly overcome with emotion, leading to tears. Parkin, sensing her vulnerability, comforts her, which unexpectedly evolves into a passionate encounter. Although initially anxious after their brief union, Constance feels an exhilarating sense of liberation and begins to sought after Parkin for more intimate meetings. As their encounters progress, they share increasingly gentle and passionate moments, even frolicking together in the rain, adorning each other with flowers.
The situation takes a turn when Sir Clifford confronts Constance with rumors of her potential pregnancy, an allegation she firmly denies. Their conversation veers towards the topic of her possibly conceiving a child with another man, which could provide them both with much-desired offspring. She contemplates this notion as she prepares for a holiday with her family in the Mediterranean.
In newfound vigor, Sir Clifford invests in a motorized wheelchair, allowing him into the woods, though he faces complications when it becomes stuck. Embittered, he refuses assistance until both Constance and Parkin push him home together.
Before embarking on her holiday, Constance spends a sleepless night with Parkin in his cottage, which has been stripped of all memories of his wife, who has chosen to live with another man. Constance reveals to him her inheritance from her late mother and expresses her desire to buy him a small farm for his independence.
However, while away, Constance receives a letter from Sir Clifford's nurse, revealing local gossip, including the return of Parkin's wife, who was cast out by her lover. After a court ruling, Parkin learns he must divorce her first to regain control of his life.
Upon returning to England, Constance discovers that Sir Clifford has made strides towards a more ordinary existence, even managing to walk using crutches. Unfortunately, she also hears that Parkin had been involved in a scuffle with his wife’s lover, resulting in his termination as gamekeeper.
In a visit to Parkin, Constance reveals that she is pregnant, but he is dismayed, realizing that under the law, the child will be considered the property of Sir Clifford. Stripped of his job and home, Parkin is forced to live with his mother and search for factory work. He considers emigrating to Canada, though Constance disagrees, longing to keep him close. Ultimately, he tentatively accepts her offer to buy him a small farm, agreeing that they must part ways until after the baby is born. He expresses his hope that if she chooses to leave Sir Clifford then, he will be ready to take her in.
