When a patch of black ice causes the death of a 49-year-old woman in Evanston, Illinois, three strangers are thrust into a journey of personal exploration as they cope with a clash between their existing personal turmoil and the trauma of fatality. Charity Jones is a high-powered attorney who must grapple with feeling like the "Token Black" lawyer in her criminal law firm. She hopes work will shield her from having to deal with her racial identity struggles. Marvin Cohen is a devout Jewish grandfather who begins to question his faith because of complicated family circumstances. He seeks to retain the status quo as it becomes threatened. Meanwhile, Chad Humes' divorcing parents force him to choose between them. He must decide whether he wants to stay in Portland, Oregon with his high school friends or move away from the place where he grew up. Sheridan Road is told by three alternating first person accounts that explore the complex dynamics of race, religion, family, and class. Each account begins before the accident and follows the characters through their journey beyond the accident.