In Victorian England, the independent and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak, a sheep farmer; Frank Troy, a reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood, a prosperous and mature bachelor.

Bathsheba Everdene: It is difficult for a woman to define her feelings in a language chiefly made by men to express theirs.
Gabriel Oak: I'm not going to tell stories just to please you. You can be sure of that.
Sergeant Troy: You've never seen you through a man's eyes. It's like not being able to think.
Bathsheba Everdene: Mr Oak, I don't want a husband. I'd hate to be some man's property. I shouldn't mind being a bride at a wedding if I could be one without getting a husband!
William Boldwood: I want... very much to protect you. For the rest of your life.
Gabriel Oak: Leading on a man you do not care for is beneath you