On his sickbed, an elderly Dickens recalls his life. He remembers his father John as someone who is a bit larger than life. A great storyteller, he enjoys performing monologues in ale houses and even has the young Charles sing or recite from time to time. John works as a clerk but with a growing family, he has fallen behind in his payments to the local shopkeepers. He borrows a bit of money from a cousin but he has to make plans to relocate to a less prosperous part of London. Before he can do so however, he is visited by a solicitor seeking payment on behalf of his clients.

Young Charles returns to his family in London at the end of term and is unlikely to return. He finds it hard to accept that London is a great classroom for learning about life. He learns about the poverty around him. While he knows his father is employed in civil service, he's also aware that prosecutors are after him.

During his tour, Dickens meets Commissioner Wentworth and takes exception to New York city's jail. He recalls when, as a boy of 12, his own father was jailed for nine months without any evidence. Charles had obtained employment with Cousin James, working in horrible circumstances making boot polish. At home, Mr. Kerr continues to press for repayment and the elder Dickens finds himself in the sponging-house, a temporary jail for debtors.