# Clara Peggotty — David Copperfield character guide > Clara Peggotty in David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Peggotty, old Peggotty, Mr. Peggotty, Both Peggotty, whisper Mr. Peggotty, Clara Peggotty Barkis, Clara **First appearance:** 0004-i-i-am-born ## Snapshot David's steadfast nurse, whose fierce loyalty outlasts every household upheaval and who never lets a Murdstone go unchallenged. ## Who they are Peggotty is the servant who becomes David's first true family, smuggling him food, keeping his mother's memory alive, and later marrying the stubborn carrier Barkis. Her quiet ferocity surfaces when she confronts Mr. Murdstone, accusing him of worrying a sweet creature to an early grave. She anchors the novel's early emotional world, proving that constancy can be a form of courage. ## Relationships ### [Agnes Wickfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/agnes_wickfield) _friendship_ Agnes and Clara Peggotty share a warm, supportive bond as trusted confidantes in David's life. ### [David Copperfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/david_copperfield) _family_ Clara Peggotty is David's devoted childhood nurse and lifelong maternal figure. ### [Mr. Barkis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/mr_barkis) _romantic_ Clara Peggotty marries the honest but taciturn Mr. Barkis, who famously declares 'Barkis is willin'.' ### [Little Em'ly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/little_emly) _family_ Clara Peggotty is a loving aunt figure to Little Em'ly, deeply concerned for her welfare. ### [David Copperfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/david_copperfield) _family_ Clara Peggotty is David's devoted childhood nurse and lifelong maternal figure. ### [Agnes Wickfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/agnes_wickfield) _friendship_ Agnes and Clara Peggotty share a warm, supportive bond as trusted confidantes in David's life. ### [Agnes Wickfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/agnes_wickfield) _friendship_ Agnes and Clara Peggotty share a warm, supportive bond as trusted confidantes in David's life. ### [Little Em'ly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/little_emly) _family_ Clara Peggotty is a loving aunt figure to Little Em'ly, deeply concerned for her welfare. ### [Mr. Barkis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/mr_barkis) _romantic_ Clara Peggotty marries the honest but taciturn Mr. Barkis, who famously declares 'Barkis is willin'.' ### [Mr. Barkis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/mr_barkis) _romantic_ Clara Peggotty marries the honest but taciturn Mr. Barkis, who famously declares 'Barkis is willin'.' ### [David Copperfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/david_copperfield) _family_ Clara Peggotty is David's devoted childhood nurse and lifelong maternal figure. ### [Little Em'ly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/little_emly) _family_ Clara Peggotty is a loving aunt figure to Little Em'ly, deeply concerned for her welfare. ## In the story ### [David Copperfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/david-copperfield) The family's loyal servant, who becomes a maternal figure to David. ### [II: I Observe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/ii-i-observe) Shows disapproval of Mr. Murdstone's attentions, argues with David's mother, and comforts David. ### [I Have a Change](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/iii-i-have-a-change) David's nurse; takes him to Yarmouth to visit her brother, and acts nervously upon their return home. ### [I Have a Change](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/iii-i-have-a-change) Peggotty's brother; a kind, hospitable fisherman who lives in a boathouse and cares for his orphaned niece and nephew. ### [IV: I Fall Into Disgrace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/iv-i-fall-into-disgrace) Peggotty is mentioned as a confidante and witness to Clara's past competence, but she does not appear directly in the chapter. ### [My "First Half" at Salem House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/vii-my-first-half-at-salem-house) David's kind friend who visits Salem House with Ham, bringing gifts and meeting Steerforth. ### [My Holidays. Especially One Happy Afternoon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/viii-my-holidays-especially-one-happy-afternoon) The loyal family servant and David's confidante. She mediates between David's mother and the Murdstones, and is revealed to have received a marriage proposal from Mr. Barkis. ### [I Have a Memorable Birthday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/ix-i-have-a-memorable-birthday) The faithful servant who cared for Clara Copperfield in her final days, providing comfort and recounting her last moments to David. ### [I Become Neglected, and Am Provided For](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/x-i-become-neglected-and-am-provided-for) Peggotty remains David's faithful friend, visiting him weekly and arranging for him to accompany her to Yarmouth. ### [Somebody Turns Up](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xvii-somebody-turns-up) Peggotty writes to David, reporting the sale of his childhood home and the departure of the Murdstones, and expresses her lingering fear of Miss Betsey. ### [Little Em'ly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxi-little-em-ly) Proudly speaks of his love for Em'ly and recounts Ham's honorable but unrequited love for her. ### [Little Em'ly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxi-little-em-ly) Hosts David and Steerforth, quickly adores Steerforth for his charm and kindness to David. ### [Some Old Scenes, and Some New People](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxii-some-old-scenes-and-some-new-people) Attends to Mr. Barkis; David stays in her spare room, feeling constrained by her daily care. ### [Some Old Scenes, and Some New People](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxii-some-old-scenes-and-some-new-people) Goes boating with Steerforth; his house is a gathering place. ### [XXIII: I Corroborate Mr. Dick, and Choose a Profession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxiii-i-corroborate-mr-dick-and-choose-a-profession) Bids David a sorrowful farewell at Yarmouth; part of the family grieved by his departure. ### [A Loss](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxx-a-loss) Opens the door for David, comforts Em'ly with pride and tenderness, and goes upstairs to inform Peggotty of David's arrival. ### [A Loss](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxx-a-loss) Embraces David and thanks him for his comfort; reports that Mr. Barkis often spoke of David before falling into a stupor. ### [A Greater Loss](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxi-a-greater-loss) Peggotty mourns Mr. Barkis, inherits his estate, and returns to her brother's house where she learns of Em'ly's disappearance. ### [A Greater Loss](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxi-a-greater-loss) Mr. Peggotty is devastated by Em'ly's flight, reading her farewell letter with profound grief. ### [The Beginning of a Long Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxii-the-beginning-of-a-long-journey) Resolves to leave the old boat but keeps it as a symbol of hope for Em'ly's return; prepares for a long journey. ### [Blissful](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxiii-blissful) David's former nurse, now a widow after Barkis's death; David helps her with legal and financial matters. ### [My Aunt Astonishes Me](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxiv-my-aunt-astonishes-me) Stays with David, is warmly greeted by Aunt Betsey, who insists on calling her by her married name Barkis. ### [Depression](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxv-depression) Helps look after Betsey and is present during the discussions about the family's changed circumstances. ### [A Little Cold Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxvii-a-little-cold-water) Peggotty helps with domestic arrangements and returns home to care for Ham, expressing her love and support for David and Dora. ### [The Wanderer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xl-the-wanderer) Describes his long journey through France and Italy seeking Little Em'ly, showing his steadfast love and forgiveness. ### [XLIII: Another Retrospect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xliii-another-retrospect) David's former nurse, comes to help clean and prepare the new home. ### [XLVI: Intelligence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xlvi-intelligence) Devoted uncle of Little Em'ly, who receives the news of her separation from Steerforth with quiet dignity and unwavering hope. ### [Martha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xlvii-martha) Accompanies David, shows profound compassion and horror, and asks Martha to help find his niece Little Em'ly. ### [Mr. Peggotty's Dream Comes True](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/l-mr-peggotty-s-dream-comes-true) Remains unwavering in his search for Emily, undertaking long journeys and saving money for her. ### [LI: The Beginning of a Longer Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/li-the-beginning-of-a-longer-journey) Mr. Peggotty recounts the rescue of Little Em'ly and announces his plan to emigrate to Australia with her. ### [Mr. Micawber's Transactions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/liv-mr-micawber-s-transactions) Mentioned as a trusted confidant for advancing money and being entrusted with part of his own story. ### [Tempest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lv-tempest) David's old nurse; comes to London before the emigrant ship sails. ### [Tempest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lv-tempest) Brother of Clara Peggotty; gives David Em'ly's letter and tries to dissuade him from traveling. ### [A Light Shines on My Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lxii-a-light-shines-on-my-way) Peggotty informs David that Aunt Betsey is in his study. ### [LXIII: A Visitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lxiii-a-visitor) An old, hearty, and robust man who has traveled from Australia to see David and Agnes. He shares news of his thriving life and of Little Em'ly. ### [A Last Retrospect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lxiv-a-last-retrospect) David's old nurse, now in spectacles, with shrivelled cheeks and arms, but still carrying the crocodile book as a precious relic for the children. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/clara_peggotty - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters