After her mother is executed as a thief, young Moll Flanders (Robin Wright) flees the orphanage in which she was placed and abused by a cruel priest, and eventually becomes a prostitute under the supervision of the deceitful Mrs. Allworthy (Stockard Channing). Her only ally is Allworthy's servant, Hibble (Morgan Freeman), a kind man who keeps her spirits up. Eventually, Moll falls for Jonathan (John Lynch), a charismatic artist who renews her faith in life and love.