Mink Snopes, serving time for the murder of Jack Houston over the paltry sum of a dollar, is sentenced to life imprisonment. He soon learns of the possibility of parole, provided he maintains good behavior and refrains from escape attempts. Harboring a desire for revenge, he plans to return in twenty years to kill his cousin Flem, whom he feels should have supported him due to their blood ties and Flem’s position of power.

The Plot Thickens

Seventeen years into Mink's sentence, Flem orchestrates events leading to Montgomery Ward Snopes' imprisonment at Parchman on bootlegging charges. Flem instructs Montgomery to set up a trap for Mink, convincing him to attempt an escape dressed in women's clothing. Mink, caught and punished with an additional twenty years, feels betrayed not by the setup itself, but by the indignity of the dress, relaying his ire with: “he hadn’t ought to used that dress.” Just two years shy of his sentence's end, Linda Snopes Kohl secures his release through a petition. With only $13.85 to his name, Mink hitchhikes his way to Memphis.

A Tapestry of Relationships

V. K. Ratliff reflects on the complex history involving Eula, Flem, Manfred de Spain, and himself. Eula, once Manfred de Spain's mistress, remains with Flem to lend Linda social respectability. Flem cunningly secures a bank presidency from de Spain using Linda’s share of her grandfather's wealth, which she relinquishes to ensure her escape from Jefferson. A confrontation with Will Varner forces Eula to choose between her daughter living with the stigma of being the child of a suicide or a prostitute; she opts for the former, ending her life.

Linda's Journey

Linda, fleeing her past, relocates to Greenwich Village, marrying communist Barton Kohl after beginning an affair with him. They head to Spain to join the fight, but tragedy strikes when Barton's plane is shot down. Despite personal danger, Linda lingers on the front lines as an ambulance driver, until a nearby bomb leaves her deaf. She returns to Jefferson, where Gavin supports her, helping her regain confidence in her voice, shielding her from the FBI, and securing her a wartime job as a riveter. To placate her, he even marries an old flame.

Mink's Return

Despite various distractions, Mink eventually reaches Memphis, secures an antiquated pistol and a few bullets from a pawn shop, and makes his way to Jefferson. Meanwhile, Linda’s restless energy finds solace in bootleg whiskey while she mobilizes Gavin to aid in Mink’s release. Gavin, suspecting Mink’s intentions towards Flem, tries to divert her efforts without revealing his concerns. Although unconvinced of her complicity, he worries about becoming an accessory to murder. An offer is made for Mink’s freedom if he accepts $250 and vows never to return to Mississippi. Mink seemingly agrees but returns the money, leaving it behind.

The Climax

Ratliff, upon reaching Parchman too late to intercept Mink, informs Gavin of the situation. Despite warnings, Flem remains unfazed, and the Memphis police discover the pawn shop purchase, deeming the gun ineffective. Yet, Mink arrives at Flem's mansion, finds him unguarded, and enters, passing by Linda before confronting Flem. In a climactic twist, Flem watches as Mink fumbles until the old gun finally discharges, ending Flem's life. As Mink flees, Linda coolly instructs him to take the gun and depart.

The Aftermath

On the day of Flem's funeral, Gavin learns of Linda’s premeditated actions when he discovers her order for a Jaguar following Mink's pardon. Confronting her, he realizes she orchestrated Flem’s murder, implicating him in the process. She confirms this and tasks Gavin with three duties: erect a monument for Flem, return the mansion deed to the surviving de Spains, and deliver $1,000 to Mink.

Repulsed, Gavin departs, severing ties with Linda. Accompanied by Ratliff, he finds Mink at Frenchman’s Bend and hands him $250, pledging further payments. The two leave, leaving Mink content and at peace with his actions, lying tranquilly on the ground, feeling on par with the world.