It is expected that after the death of the beloved Bishop, his son will take his place. Instead, Bishop Proudie is given the honor due to the support he has from the Prime Minister. His wife is quite manipulative and exercises too much influence over him. She consistently interferes in the clergy’s business and this makes the Bishop quite unpopular.
The Bishop commands Dr Vesey Stanhope to return from Italy. However, the younger of Dr Stanhope’s daughters threatens Mr Slope. Mr Arabin is a scholar who is attracted to Eleanor. Mr. Slope proposes marriage to Mrs Bold and his intentions are revealed. He is then sent back to Italy by Mrs Proudie.
After the curtain of misunderstandings is lifted, Eleanor and Mr Arabin get engaged. The Stanhopes are forced to return to Italy and the Cathedral goes back to its old ways.
