A war vet, Ross Poldark, returns home from the war to find his life in ruins. With his father dead, his fiancée set to marry his rich cousin, and his inheritance in shambles, he has to decide between remaining in his hometown or leaving for London.
Ross faces trouble as he tries to secure the funds to reopen his family copper mine. Elizabeth drops a bombshell on Ross. Ross supports his cousin Verity as she embarks on an ill-advised rendezvous.
The birth of their son fails to remedy Elizabeth and Francis's relationship. As rumors abound about the nature of the relationship between Ross and Demelza, Ross is forced to take action to keep Demelza in his life.
Ross and Demelza's marriage sends shockwaves through the town. Charles makes a plea for Ross to care for the family. Ross's investment in his mine finally comes to fruition.
Demelza tries to reunite two star-crossed lovers. Francis continues to make catastrophic business decisions. Ross leads the charge to organize a new smelting company by mine owners.
Ross and Dr. Enys try to save a life as typhoid spreads among the prison population. George Warleggan makes a discovery that threatens Ross's business efforts.
As Verity runs away, an enraged Francis turns on Ross, causing a lot of damage as he sells him out to Warleggan. Dwight and Keren's affair leads to tragic consequences.
As an epidemic sweeps through the land, Ross suffers a terrible loss as Demelza and their daughter get afflicted by the disease. With the Warleggan's ship wrecked, Ross finds himself facing murder charges.