David Copperfield · Character

Ham Peggotty

Mr. Peggotty's sturdy fisherman nephew, whose gentle heart and steady hands make him the quiet anchor of the Yarmouth boat-house family.

supporting

Also known as Ham, Poor Ham, Ham Peggotty

First appearance: vi i enlarge my circle of acquaintance

As a supporting figure in David Copperfield, Ham Peggotty is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

See Ham Peggotty in vi i enlarge my circle of acquaintance Book page

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Ham is the adopted son in the Peggotty household, a rough-handed sailor whose devotion to his uncle and to Little Em'ly runs deep and unspoken. His love for Em'ly — patient, unassuming, and destined for grief — gives…

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See Ham Peggotty in vi i enlarge my circle of acquaintance

Character Web

20 connections

A slice of how Ham Peggotty sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central characters and antagonists
Protagonist

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Narrative 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…

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In the story

Ham Peggotty appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I Have a Change
Mr. Peggotty's nephew; a gentle young man who works as a fisherman and is kind to David.
My "First Half" at Salem House
Mr. Peggotty's nephew, who accompanies him on the visit and is impressed by Steerforth.
Little Em'ly
Sits beside Em'ly, grins happily as Mr. Peggotty tells of his love for her, and is described as bashful and honorable.
A Loss
Stands near Em'ly, speaks kindly, and agrees to leave her with her uncle for the night, showing his gentle and understanding nature.
A Greater Loss
Ham is heartbroken, weeping as he tells David that Em'ly has run away with Steerforth.
The Beginning of a Long Journey
Haunted by a premonition of doom, staring out to sea with a determined yet confused expression.
The Wanderer
Mentioned as working bravely but deeply affected by Em'ly's flight; helped draft a reply to her letter.
Tempest
David is deeply concerned for his safety during the storm; he is not present in Yarmouth.
LXIII: A Visitor
Remembered through the tablet David placed in Yarmouth churchyard; Mr. Peggotty gathers grass and earth from his grave for Em'ly.

Chapter companion notes

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See Ham Peggotty in vi i enlarge my circle of acquaintance