David Copperfield · Character
Mr. Barkis
A taciturn Yarmouth carrier who courts Peggotty by proxy, communicates in shrugs, and is famously 'willin'.
supporting
Also known as Barkis, poor Barkis, the late Mr. Barkis
First appearance: v i am sent away from home
As a supporting figure in David Copperfield, Mr. Barkis is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
The carrier who proposes marriage to Peggotty, as revealed during the family dinner.
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Mr. Barkis drives the coach between Yarmouth and London, a slow, weather-beaten man who says almost nothing and means a great deal. He enlists young David as his messenger to Peggotty — 'Barkis is willin'' — and…
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The fuller portrait of Mr. Barkis sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Mr. Barkis in v i am sent away from homeCharacter Web
17 connectionsA slice of how Mr. Barkis sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Romantic
- Other
Character groups
- Legal and professional associates
- Central characters and antagonists
- Minor characters and background figures
- Protagonist
+12 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
- Clara Peggotty
romantic · positive
Clara Peggotty marries the honest but taciturn Mr. How this plays out →
- Clara Peggotty
romantic · positive
Clara Peggotty marries the honest but taciturn Mr. How this plays out →
- Clara Peggotty
romantic · positive
Clara Peggotty marries the honest but taciturn Mr. How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Mr. Barkis in v i am sent away from homeIn the story
Mr. Barkis appears across 2 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Barkis unlock in the free preview.
See Mr. Barkis in v i am sent away from home