David Copperfield · Character
Doctor Strong
A gentle, absent-minded schoolmaster whose kindness to David and devotion to his young wife make him one of the novel's most quietly admirable men.
supporting
Also known as the Doctor, The doctor, The Doctor, Doctor, Strong
First appearance: XVI: I Am a New Boy in More Senses Than One
As a supporting figure in David Copperfield, Doctor Strong is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Doctor Strong is introduced as a gentle, absent-minded scholar; he is kind to David and devoted to his wife.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Doctor Strong runs the Canterbury school where David is sent after leaving Salem House, and he is famous for his learning, his mildness, and his unfinished dictionary. He has married a woman many years his junior,…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Doctor Strong sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Doctor Strong in XVI: I Am a New Boy in More Senses Than OneCharacter Web
23 connectionsA slice of how Doctor Strong sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Romantic
- Friendship
- Other
Character groups
- Central characters and antagonists
+18 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional peak of David's concealed grief and the…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Mrs. Strong
romantic · positive
Doctor Strong and his much younger wife Annie share a loving but tested marriage,… How this plays out →
- Mr. Wickfield
friendship · positive
- Mrs. Strong
romantic · positive
Doctor Strong and his much younger wife Annie share a loving but tested marriage,… How this plays out →
- Mr. Wickfield
friendship · positive
- Mr. Wickfield
friendship · positive
- Mrs. Strong
romantic · positive
Doctor Strong and his much younger wife Annie share a loving but tested marriage,… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Doctor Strong in XVI: I Am a New Boy in More Senses Than OneIn the story
Doctor Strong appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- XVI: I Am a New Boy in More Senses Than One
- XLII: Mischief
- XLV: Mr. Dick Fulfils My Aunt’s Predictions
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Doctor Strong unlock in the free preview.
See Doctor Strong in XVI: I Am a New Boy in More Senses Than One