Emma Woodhouse is the spoiled youngest daughter of a wealthy, concerned father, with whom she lives alone in the early 1800s after her sister's marriage. When her beloved governess, who took her mother's place, is also married, she feels alone and, accustomed to getting her way, devises all kinds of plans, including to match her young protégé Harriet Smith with a suitable partner. Due to major errors of judgment, this leads to painful complications for many involved.