In New York City, Dickens meets an ardent admirer, a Miss Baldwin, who reminds him of someone from his youth. As a young man, Charles was involved in amateur theatricals and was writing, drawing on his own experiences for the latter. Charles has also taken an interest in Maria Beadnell, one of several daughters to a well-known banker. In fact, he's fallen madly in love with her and has taken to writing her poetry.

In 1835, Dickens is working as a journalist and publishing stories wherever and whenever he can. He's still in love with Maria but she seems to think less of him. Dickens drowns his sorrows at the ale house and falls into the arms of local prostitute Desdemona. Although under a pseudonym, Dickens begins to gather a following. His first book nets £150, much to his spendthrift father's joy. The money doesn't last long, however, as the elder Dickens is once again arrested.