After being cruelly cast out by his own brother, David Simple wanders through 18th-century England in search of a true friend. Driven by a desire for genuine human connection in a society defined by avarice and hypocrisy, David encounters a series of individuals who test his moral resolve. The narrative follows his quest through a series of episodic encounters, utilizing a third-person omniscient perspective to critique the social structures and interpersonal dynamics of the era. He must navigate the logical constraints of a world where wealth and status often dictate the sincerity of human relationships.

Discussion often centers on the novel's role as a precursor to the modern psychological novel and its unique focus on the internal moral landscape of its protagonist. Readers frequently highlight the stark contrast between David's earnestness and the cynical motivations of the people he meets during his travels. Critics often note that while the pacing is deliberate and reflective of the period's literary style, the work provides a sharp critique of the social conditions of the time. The balance between character development and social observation remains a primary point of interest for those studying the evolution of the English novel. This work is widely recognized for its contribution to the development of the novel as a vehicle for social and ethical inquiry.