After being left penniless and abandoned, the boisterous Roderick Random sets out from Scotland to London to seek his fortune, only to encounter a series of relentless misfortunes and corrupt adversaries. Driven by a desire for social advancement and survival, the protagonist navigates a world defined by physical hardship and moral ambiguity. The narrative follows a picaresque structure, utilizing a first-person perspective to recount Roderick's encounters with scoundrels, his service as a surgeon's mate, and his experiences aboard a man-of-war. The protagonist's aggressive, often unprincipled response to his environment serves as the primary engine for the plot's rapid progression.

Readers frequently highlight the novel's relentless energy and the unapologetic nature of its protagonist. Discussion often centers on how Smollett balances the harsh, realistic depictions of naval life with a distinct, often cynical sense of humor. Critics observe that the work serves as a significant example of the picaresque tradition, focusing more on external adventure and social critique than on internal character growth. The narrative's ability to maintain a high-stakes atmosphere through constant conflict remains a primary point of interest for those examining 18th-century literature.