The comfortable childhood shared by Charlotte, Emily, Anne, and Branwell Brontë instills in them boundless creativity and a passion for learning. But their sheltered upbringing creates difficulties as each makes his or her way into the world.
Branwell finds his artistic hopes dashed and makes a painful decision, while Charlotte and Emily further their education in Brussels. Anne has challenges as the governess of a wealthy family, and a cholera epidemic strikes back home with tragic consequences.
As Mr. Brontë's health fades, his daughters find success in crafting their stories, and Charlotte publishes a book of poems. Branwell's self-destructive behavior takes a turn for the worse, reducing him to a shadow of his once-brilliant self.
The year 1847 brings excitement for the sisters with the publication of their novels and a life-changing voyage to London to prove to their publisher that each sister is an author in her own right. But sorrowful events soon overshadow the glow of success.
Charotte's wide acclaim as an author brings her father much pleasure, and her quiet life takes a surprising turn when she receives a marriage proposal. In the end, however, Mr. Bronte suffers a mournful existence: outliving all his gifted children.