Born in Newgate prison and abandoned to a life of uncertainty, Moll Flanders navigates the harsh social hierarchies of 17th-century England through a series of calculated marriages and criminal exploits. Driven by a desperate need for financial security and social standing, the protagonist employs her wit and physical appeal to survive in a world that offers few protections for women. She faces constant threats of poverty, social ostracization, and legal retribution, forcing her to adopt various identities to maintain her independence. The narrative is presented as an autobiographical account, providing a retrospective look at her moral compromises and eventual transition toward repentance. Her objective remains the acquisition of wealth and stability, which frequently conflicts with the rigid moral and legal structures of her time.

Discussion often centers on the complex moral ambiguity of the protagonist, as readers frequently debate whether her actions are driven by genuine necessity or inherent greed. Critics highlight the text as a foundational example of the picaresque novel, noting how Defoe uses the episodic structure to critique the social conditions of the era. The narrative pacing is often described as brisk and utilitarian, reflecting the protagonist's own focus on survival rather than introspection. Readers frequently note that the balance between Moll's criminal activities and her eventual religious repentance creates a compelling tension that defines the work's enduring appeal.