# Miss Murdstone — David Copperfield character guide

> Miss Murdstone in David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Jane Murdstone, Jane

**First appearance:** 0007-iv-i-fall-into-disgrace

## Snapshot

Mr. Murdstone's grim sister, a self-appointed guardian of other people's morals armed with keys, suspicion, and a snapping reticule.

## Who they are

Jane Murdstone installs herself as housekeeper and jailer of the Copperfield home, managing the keys and watching everyone with joyless vigilance. She prides herself on conscientious duty while delighting in exposure and humiliation, as when she seizes Dora's letters and testifies against her with righteous relish. Her meddling tightens the trap around David's boyhood and later threatens his courtship, making her a persistent, petty engine of the novel's cruelties.

## In the story

### [IV: I Fall Into Disgrace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/iv-i-fall-into-disgrace)

Miss Murdstone supports her brother's tyranny, taking over household keys and monitoring David's lessons with a watchful eye.

### [My Holidays. Especially One Happy Afternoon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/viii-my-holidays-especially-one-happy-afternoon)

Mr. Murdstone's sister, who enforces strict discipline and reminds David of the end of his holidays.

### [I Have a Memorable Birthday](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/ix-i-have-a-memorable-birthday)

Mr. Murdstone's sister, who exhibits cold firmness and self-command, busying herself with business letters and showing no emotion.

### [I Become Neglected, and Am Provided For](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/x-i-become-neglected-and-am-provided-for)

Miss Murdstone reluctantly allows David to go with Peggotty to Yarmouth, displaying her usual sour demeanor.

### [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)

Accompanies her brother, attempts to support his case, and is sharply answered by Betsey.

### [I Fall Into Captivity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxvi-i-fall-into-captivity)

Now serving as Dora's companion and protector; she and David have a strained but civil reunion.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/miss_murdstone
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters