Barnaby Rudge follows a young man whose naive participation in the 1780 Gordon Riots leads to catastrophic consequences for himself and his community. The protagonist, Barnaby, finds himself caught in the crossfire of religious tension and political upheaval, struggling to maintain his innocence amidst a volatile mob. He must navigate a world defined by rigid class structures and the looming threat of state violence, while opposing forces—ranging from manipulative agitators to the unforgiving legal system—seek to exploit his vulnerability. The narrative employs a third-person omniscient perspective to capture the sprawling social landscape of 18th-century London.

Discussion often centers on the novel's departure from Dickens's more typical urban settings, as it focuses heavily on historical reconstruction and political violence. Readers frequently highlight the effectiveness of the atmospheric descriptions, which successfully convey the chaos of the riots. Critics often debate the balance between the domestic plotlines and the broader historical narrative, noting that the pacing shifts significantly between these two modes. The work is widely recognized for its intense focus on the dangers of religious fanaticism and the volatility of the masses. Many readers appreciate the depth of the character development, particularly regarding the titular character's unique perspective on the unfolding events.