In "Our Mutual Friend," John Harmon is presumed dead after a body is found that is believed to be his. In truth, Harmon survives and adopts an alias, leading a life full of intrigue and romance. The story unfolds with themes of identity, wealth, and moral growth as Harmon navigates the complexities of Victorian society.

The Mysterious Disappearance of John Harmon

When he returns to England to fulfill the terms of his father's will by marrying Bella Wilfer, John Harmon is thought to have been murdered. Gaffer Hexam, a river scavenger, discovers a body that is misidentified as Harmon’s. Though Harmon actually survives, he adopts the alias Julius Handford, and later, becomes John Rokesmith to protect himself from potential threats and the unwanted marriage.

Life as John Rokesmith

Under the guise of Rokesmith, Harmon becomes the secretary to Mr. Boffin, the unexpected heir of his father's estate. Mr. and Mrs. Boffin, unaccustomed to their newfound wealth, regret that the posh lifestyle cannot be enjoyed by the late John Harmon. They decide to take in Bella Wilfer to offer her the life she could have had. Meanwhile, Mr. Boffin hires a street vendor, Wegg, to read to him since he cannot read himself.

Bella Wilfer's Transformation

Initially, Bella is determined to secure a wealthy marriage. She dismisses Rokesmith's heartfelt proposal with disdain. Over time, observing Mr. Boffin's transformation into a greedy miser, Bella gains clarity about the corrupting influence of wealth. Eventually, she returns to her humble family home, seeking authenticity over riches.

The Schemes of Wegg and Venus

Wegg, unsatisfied with the modest life afforded by Mr. Boffin, becomes increasingly greedy. He teams up with Venus, a taxidermist, to search for valuables hidden by the late Harmon. They uncover a subsequent will that leaves the estate to the Crown, and use it for blackmail. Mr. Boffin pretends to comply with their demands.

The Unveiling of True Identities

Mr. Boffin offers a reward for any information about John Harmon's supposed murder, tasking lawyer Mortimer Lightwood with the investigation. The only lead comes from Handford, unknowingly Harmon himself, present when the mistaken identity occurred. Rokesmith, as part of his moral duty, acquires an affidavit clearing Hexam’s daughter from blame, showing the true character of Rogue Riderhood's deceit.

Bella's Realization and Harmon’s Confession

Back in her family home, Bella matures and acknowledges her love for Rokesmith, now penniless and unemployed. She accepts his proposal, leading to a blissful marriage and the birth of their child. During a chance encounter, Lightwood recognizes Rokesmith as Handford, leading to the revelation of Harmon’s true identity.

The Revelations and Resolutions

The body thought to be Harmon's is revealed to be a would-be murderer, killed by thieves. Harmon explains his identity to Bella, disclosing more truths. Mrs. Boffin had long suspected who he was, and Mr. Boffin’s miserly behavior was an act to guide Bella away from materialistic pursuits.

Fortune Restored

Impressed by Bella’s defense of Rokesmith and her rejection of wealth-driven motives, the Boffins restore the estate to Harmon. Bella becomes affluent in a manner she never anticipated—through love rather than ambition. As for the villains, Wegg and Venus’s blackmail plan fails due to Mr. Boffin's possession of a later will, leaving the estate to him, which he graciously returns to Harmon. In the end, Wegg is unceremoniously removed, bringing the story to a just conclusion.