The novel opens with the unnamed narrator describing the idyllic seaside town of St. Ogg’s, recalling how it looked during a visit to Dorlcote Mill in February many years before. The narrator wants to tell the story of Mr. and Mrs. Tulliver’s discussion but falls asleep.

Mr. Tulliver tells his wife Bessy that he wants to send their son, Tom, to a good school to become an engineer or a surveyor. Bessy offers to invite her family over so they can all discuss the matter. Mr. Tulliver does not want the opinions of the aunts, but decides to speak to Riley, who is well-educated, about what school would be best for Tom. Mr. Tulliver worries that Tom is not smart enough for a good school, wondering why Tom took after his mother’s side of the family instead of their daughter Maggie. Bessy agrees that Maggie is wild and different from the type of girl she had envisioned. Mr. Tulliver notes that Maggie is smart, but Bessy worries over their daughter’s dark skin and untamable hair.

Mr. Riley is considered a gentleman: He’s a well-respected auctioneer and appraiser and has many friends. Mr. Tulliver tells Riley that he wants to send Tom to a good school so that he won’t become a miller or a farmer, and jokes that one day Tom will run him out of business.