Far from the Madding Crowd (Dramascripts)

The story takes place in a rural community in Dorset. Bathsheba Everdene, a young, spirited farm-owner, is loved by three men; Gabriel Oak, her stoical, devoted shepherd; William Boldwood, a neighbouring farmer, whose regard borders on obsession and the dashing but irresponsible Sergeant Troy. Bathsheba marries Troy but, hearing that Fanny Robin, his previous lover, has died in childbirth, he disappears and is presumed dead. Boldwood's subsequent proposal is accepted by Bathsheba, but Troy reappears to claim his wife. Boldwood shoots Troy and is consequently imprisoned. Gabriel, who has remained constant to Bathsheba throughout everything, proposes to her himself and is finally accepted.