In MASK, Dickens, feverish in New York, relives his boyhood.

In The DEED John Dickens escapes his creditors by going to London. Mrs Dickens decides to start a school.

In BLACKING Charles starts work at Warren's Blacking factory.

In LOVE Charles is making his way socially and as a Parliamentary reporter when he falls in love with Maria Beadnell.

In SUCCESS Charles is frustrated in love and turns to the whore Desdemona.

In FAME Charles marries Catherine and Pickwick Papers begins publication.

Pickwick Papers is a success and Charles starts on Oliver Twist. But Catherine cannot cope and Mary begins to replace her.

Friends question Charles' sanity because of his idolization of Queen Victoria.

While traveling in America, Charles (Roy Dotrice) meets Edgar Allan Poe (Seymour Matthews).

In the concluding episode, Charles (Roy Dotrice) concentrates on writing "Martin Chuzzlewit" and works for social reform in England.