Wealthy American widower Adam Verver and his daughter Maggie live in Europe. They collect art and relish each other's company. Maggie becomes engaged to Amerigo, an Italian prince in reduced circumstances. Maggie and Amerigo marry, and later, after Charlotte and Adam have also wed, both spouses learn of the ongoing affair. Not until Maggie buys the gilded crystal bowl as a birthday present for Adam does truth crack the veneer of propriety.

Kate Croy and Merton Densher are engaged in a passionate, clandestine love affair. Croy is desperately in love with Densher, but he lacks money, making him unsuitable as a mate. By chance, Croy befriends Milly Theale, a young American heiress. When Croy discovers that Theale suffers from a mysterious and fatal malady, she hatches a plan that can give all three something that they want, but at a price.

The American: American Christopher Newman is smart, educated and rich. He is a Civil War veteran and a self made tycoon who goes to Europe to see the 'treasures and entertain' himself. He meets Claire and after the fifth meeting he asks her to marry him. The portrait of a lady: Isabel Archer is a beautiful, spirited American who is brought to Europe by her wealthy Aunt Touchett. It is expected that she will soon marry. But Isabel is resolved to determine...