# David Copperfield — David Copperfield character guide > David Copperfield in David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. **Role:** major **Also known as:** David, Master Davy, Davy, Master Copperfield, Copperfield, young Copperfield, Mr. Copperfield, Mr. David Copperfield, Master David, Trot, Doady, Daisy, Mas'r Davy, Mas'r Davy bor, Mas'r Davy bor ' **First appearance:** 0004-i-i-am-born ## Snapshot A fatherless boy who narrates his own life with unsparing honesty, learning whom to trust as fortune lifts and drops him. ## Who they are David begins as a child shuffled between a grieving nurse, a stepfather's cruelty, and a London warehouse, then claws his way toward respectability through school, friendship, and self-invention. His defining tension is between the heart's impulsive choices and the judgment he slowly earns, especially as he mistakes infatuation for love. Because he narrates everything, his early and middle years set the moral ledger against which every other character is measured. ## Relationships ### [Uriah Heep](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/uriah_heep) _rivalry_ David is repulsed by Uriah's oily hypocrisy and later exposes his villainy, making them bitter enemies. ### [Agnes Wickfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/agnes_wickfield) _romantic_ Agnes is David's steadfast, loving guide and eventual second wife, representing his true soulmate. ### [Wilkins Micawber](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/wilkins_micawber) _friendship_ David befriends the perpetually indebted but good-hearted Micawber, who later helps him defeat Uriah Heep. ### [Clara Peggotty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/clara_peggotty) _family_ Clara Peggotty is David's devoted childhood nurse and lifelong maternal figure. ### [Tommy Traddles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/tommy_traddles) _friendship_ David and Traddles are close school friends and later steadfast companions, supporting each other through life's trials. ### [Uriah Heep](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/uriah_heep) _rivalry_ David is repulsed by Uriah's oily hypocrisy and later exposes his villainy, making them bitter enemies. ### [Clara Peggotty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/clara_peggotty) _family_ Clara Peggotty is David's devoted childhood nurse and lifelong maternal figure. ### [Wilkins Micawber](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/wilkins_micawber) _friendship_ David befriends the perpetually indebted but good-hearted Micawber, who later helps him defeat Uriah Heep. ### [Agnes Wickfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/agnes_wickfield) _romantic_ Agnes is David's steadfast, loving guide and eventual second wife, representing his true soulmate. ### [Tommy Traddles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/tommy_traddles) _friendship_ David and Traddles are close school friends and later steadfast companions, supporting each other through life's trials. ### [Wilkins Micawber](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/wilkins_micawber) _friendship_ David befriends the perpetually indebted but good-hearted Micawber, who later helps him defeat Uriah Heep. ### [Clara Peggotty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/clara_peggotty) _family_ Clara Peggotty is David's devoted childhood nurse and lifelong maternal figure. ## In the story ### [Preface to the Charles Dickens Edition](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/preface-to-the-charles-dickens-edition) Dickens refers to David Copperfield as his favorite character and the 'child of his fancy,' indicating the deep personal connection he feels to the protagonist. ### [David Copperfield](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/david-copperfield) The narrator and protagonist, born at the beginning of the chapter. ### [I Am Born](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/i-i-am-born) Narrator and protagonist, born on a Friday, six months after his father's death. ### [II: I Observe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/ii-i-observe) Narrates his observations of Mr. Murdstone's courtship of his mother, feeling jealousy and confusion. ### [I Have a Change](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/iii-i-have-a-change) Narrator and protagonist; visits Yarmouth, bonds with little Em'ly, and returns home to unsettling changes. ### [IV: I Fall Into Disgrace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/iv-i-fall-into-disgrace) David is subjected to harsh discipline and feels increasingly alienated from his mother, finding comfort only in books. ### [I Am Sent Away from Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/v-i-am-sent-away-from-home) David is sent away to school, enduring a difficult journey and the humiliation of wearing a placard. He feels lonely and anxious about the other boys. ### [VI: I Enlarge My Circle of Acquaintance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/vi-i-enlarge-my-circle-of-acquaintance) Narrator and protagonist, newly arrived at Salem House, bearing a placard as punishment. ### [My "First Half" at Salem House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/vii-my-first-half-at-salem-house) Narrator and protagonist, enduring his first half at Salem House under Mr. Creakle's tyranny. ### [My Holidays. Especially One Happy Afternoon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/viii-my-holidays-especially-one-happy-afternoon) Returns home for the holidays, feeling the gulf between himself and his mother due to the Murdstones' influence. He cherishes a rare happy afternoon with his mother and Peggotty. ### [I Have a Memorable Birthday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/ix-i-have-a-memorable-birthday) The narrator, grieving the death of his mother and baby brother, recalls the events of her illness and funeral with vivid, lasting sorrow. ### [I Become Neglected, and Am Provided For](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/x-i-become-neglected-and-am-provided-for) David recounts his profound loneliness and neglect after his mother's death, finding solace only in books and Peggotty's visits. ### [XI: I Begin Life on My Own Account, and Don’t Like It](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xi-i-begin-life-on-my-own-account-and-don-t-like-it) Begins work at Murdstone and Grinby's warehouse at age ten, feeling deep shame and hopelessness. ### [Liking Life on My Own Account No Better, I Form a Great Resolution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xii-liking-life-on-my-own-account-no-better-i-form-a-great-resolution) David decides to run away from his miserable life at Murdstone and Grinby's to seek his Aunt Betsey Trotwood in Dover. ### [XIII: The Sequel of My Resolution](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xiii-the-sequel-of-my-resolution) David undertakes a desperate journey to Dover, enduring physical hardship and emotional turmoil, and finally presents himself to his aunt. ### [My Aunt Makes Up Her Mind About Me](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xiv-my-aunt-makes-up-her-mind-about-me) Present throughout the interview, trembling and pleading with his aunt not to be sent back to the Murdstones. ### [XV: I Make Another Beginning](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xv-i-make-another-beginning) David is the narrator and protagonist, starting a new chapter in his life under his aunt's guardianship. ### [XVI: I Am a New Boy in More Senses Than One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xvi-i-am-a-new-boy-in-more-senses-than-one) David starts school at Doctor Strong's, feeling hopeful yet uneasy; he observes the relationships around him. ### [Somebody Turns Up](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xvii-somebody-turns-up) David reconnects with the Micawbers, corresponds with Peggotty, and continues his studies at Doctor Strong's school, with regular visits from his aunt and Mr. Dick. ### [A Retrospect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xviii-a-retrospect) Narrates his adolescent infatuation with the eldest Miss Larkins, his growth, and his reflections on the past. ### [XIX: I Look About Me, and Make a Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xix-i-look-about-me-and-make-a-discovery) David is sent on a solo trip by his aunt to gain self-reliance, visits Canterbury and London, and becomes aware of complex relationships in the Strong household. ### [Steerforth's Home](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xx-steerforth-s-home) David is the narrator and guest, feeling bashful and admiring Steerforth. ### [Little Em'ly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxi-little-em-ly) Narrator and observer, reflects on his childhood memories and feels devoted to Steerforth. ### [Some Old Scenes, and Some New People](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxii-some-old-scenes-and-some-new-people) Revisits Blunderstone, reflecting on his parents' graves and the changes to his old home; observes Steerforth's mood swings. ### [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) Resolves to keep Little Em'ly's secret; discusses career options with Steerforth; visits Mr. Spenlow's office and agrees to a trial month as a proctor. ### [My First Dissipation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxiv-my-first-dissipation) David revels in his new independence but feels lonely; he gets drunk at his own dinner party and embarrasses himself in front of Agnes at the theatre. ### [Good and Bad Angels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxv-good-and-bad-angels) Attends Mr. Waterbrook's dinner party, reconnects with Traddles, and learns from Agnes about Uriah Heep's scheme to partner with Mr. Wickfield. ### [I Fall Into Captivity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxvi-i-fall-into-captivity) Falls hopelessly in love with Dora Spenlow at first sight, describing himself as a 'captive and a slave.' ### [Tommy Traddles](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxvii-tommy-traddles) David seeks out Traddles and is reminded of his own love for Dora during their conversation. ### [Mr. Micawber's Gauntlet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxviii-mr-micawber-s-gauntlet) Hosts the dinner party and is the narrator; he is preoccupied with thoughts of Dora. ### [XXIX: I Visit Steerforth at His Home, Again](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxix-i-visit-steerforth-at-his-home-again) Narrator and visitor; observes the household dynamics with unease. ### [A Loss](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxx-a-loss) Arrives in Yarmouth and visits Mr. Omer and the Peggotty household, observing the somber atmosphere surrounding Mr. Barkis's final illness. ### [A Greater Loss](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxi-a-greater-loss) David helps Peggotty with Barkis's will and estate, attends the funeral, and is present when the news of Em'ly's flight is revealed. ### [The Beginning of a Long Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxii-the-beginning-of-a-long-journey) Observes the grief and changes in those around him, reflecting on the lessons of Mrs. Gummidge's transformation. ### [Blissful](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxiii-blissful) Narrator, deeply infatuated with Dora, manages Peggotty's affairs, and attends a picnic where he is jealous of a rival. ### [My Aunt Astonishes Me](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxiv-my-aunt-astonishes-me) Writes to Agnes about his engagement to Dora, feels a deep connection to Agnes as a source of peace. ### [Depression](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxv-depression) Tortured by guilt over his selfishness regarding Dora, David attempts to take practical steps to address his aunt's ruin. ### [Enthusiasm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxvi-enthusiasm) Resolves to work hard and win Dora; visits Dr. Strong in Highgate. ### [A Little Cold Water](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxvii-a-little-cold-water) David is living with his aunt, working hard in the Commons, and trying to prepare Dora for their life of poverty. ### [A Dissolution of Partnership](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxviii-a-dissolution-of-partnership) David is tormented by Dora's grief and his own helplessness, writing wild letters and seeking clandestine meetings with Miss Mills. ### [Wickfield and Heep](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxix-wickfield-and-heep) Visits Canterbury to see Agnes and settle business; reflects on his dejection and the decline of his proctor's office. ### [The Wanderer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xl-the-wanderer) Listens to Mr. Peggotty's story, observes the face at the door, and accompanies him partway. ### [Dora's Aunts](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xli-dora-s-aunts) Visits Dora at Putney, tries to teach her housekeeping, feels troubled that she is treated as a plaything, and writes to Agnes for advice. ### [XLII: Mischief](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xlii-mischief) Reflects on his disciplined work ethic and success; escorts Agnes to meet Dora; confronts Uriah Heep's insinuations. ### [XLIII: Another Retrospect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xliii-another-retrospect) Narrator and protagonist, preparing for his marriage to Dora. ### [XLIV: Our Housekeeping](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xliv-our-housekeeping) Reflects on the strangeness of married life and struggles with domestic responsibilities, trying to shield Dora from his anxieties. ### [XLV: Mr. Dick Fulfils My Aunt’s Predictions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xlv-mr-dick-fulfils-my-aunt-s-predictions) Narrator and observer of the confrontation between Doctor and Mrs. Strong; reveals his hidden knowledge at Annie's appeal. ### [XLVI: Intelligence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xlvi-intelligence) Narrator and protagonist, now a successful writer, who investigates Em'ly's fate and comforts Mr. Peggotty. ### [Martha](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xlvii-martha) Narrator who follows Martha with Mr. Peggotty, intervenes to prevent her from harming herself, and recounts their conversation. ### [Domestic](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xlviii-domestic) Narrates his domestic struggles, his efforts to adapt to Dora, and his literary success. ### [I Am Involved in Mystery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xlix-i-am-involved-in-mystery) Receives and puzzles over Mr. Micawber's letter, then meets with Traddles and Mr. Micawber. ### [Mr. Peggotty's Dream Comes True](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/l-mr-peggotty-s-dream-comes-true) Observes Mr. Peggotty's steadfastness and later witnesses Rosa Dartle's confrontation with Emily. ### [LI: The Beginning of a Longer Journey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/li-the-beginning-of-a-longer-journey) David visits the old boathouse and hears Mr. Peggotty's account of Em'ly's rescue and their emigration plans. ### [I Assist at an Explosion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lii-i-assist-at-an-explosion) Narrator and participant in the exposure of Uriah Heep; reflects on Dora's health and his love for her. ### [LIII: Another Retrospect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/liii-another-retrospect) Narrates the chapter, grieving over Dora's illness and death, reflecting on their marriage and his undisciplined heart. ### [Mr. Micawber's Transactions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/liv-mr-micawber-s-transactions) Narrator and organizer of the Micawbers' emigration plans; accompanies his aunt to London for her husband's burial. ### [Tempest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lv-tempest) Narrator and protagonist; travels to Yarmouth to deliver Em'ly's letter to Ham. ### [LVI: The New Wound, and the Old](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lvi-the-new-wound-and-the-old) David is the bearer of tragic news, arranging the transport of Steerforth's body and breaking the news to Mrs. Steerforth. ### [LVII: The Emigrants](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lvii-the-emigrants) David orchestrates the concealment of Steerforth's death from Mr. Peggotty and assists the Micawbers in their final preparations. ### [LVIII: Absence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lviii-absence) Narrates his three-year absence, his grief, his travels, his writing, and his unrequited love for Agnes. ### [LIX: Return](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lix-return) Returns to London after a long absence, visits Traddles, and reflects on his past. ### [Agnes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lx-agnes) Reflects on his past and his deep affection for Agnes, acknowledging her as his moral guide. ### [LXI: I Am Shown Two Interesting Penitents](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lxi-i-am-shown-two-interesting-penitents) Narrator and protagonist, living at his aunt's house and working on his book. ### [A Light Shines on My Way](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lxii-a-light-shines-on-my-way) David confesses his love to Agnes and they become engaged. ### [LXIII: A Visitor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lxiii-a-visitor) Now a successful author, married ten years to Agnes, and father of three children. He warmly welcomes Mr. Peggotty. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/david_copperfield - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters