David Copperfield · Character

Mr. Dick

Betsey Trotwood's gentle, muddled lodger, forever wrestling King Charles's troubles out of his own head and into a memorial.

supporting

Also known as Dick, poor harmless Mr. Dick, poor Mr. Dick, XLV Mr. Dick, poor Dick

First appearance: x i become neglected and am provided for

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

Present during the interview; offers the practical suggestion to have David measured for clothes, which Betsey praises.

In the storyMy Aunt Makes Up Her Mind About MeOpen this moment free

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Mr. Dick lives under Betsey Trotwood's protection, kindly, harmless, and obsessed with a manuscript that keeps collapsing into the fate of King Charles the First. His confusion is real, but his loyalty and shrewd affection are not, and David comes to love him as a barometer of his aunt's hidden tenderness. He matters because his quiet observations — of a mysterious man, of Betsey's secret griefs — hint that the household's eccentric surface conceals older wounds and loyalties.

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See Mr. Dick in x i become neglected and am provided for

Character Web

24 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central characters and antagonists
Protagonist

+19 more in the full Character Web

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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…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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In the story

Mr. Dick appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

My Aunt Makes Up Her Mind About Me
Present during the interview; offers the practical suggestion to have David measured for clothes, which Betsey praises.
XV: I Make Another Beginning
Mr. Dick is David's affectionate friend, who flies kites and is deeply saddened by David's departure for school.
XIX: I Look About Me, and Make a Discovery
Mr. Dick is briefly mentioned as being kept by Aunt Betsey to take care of her, and he expresses dedication to his Memorial.
My Aunt Astonishes Me
Arrives with Aunt Betsey, leaning thoughtfully on a large kite, with luggage piled around him.
Depression
Moves into David's lodging, initially complacent about the ruin but becomes deeply distressed when David explains the reality of their situation.
A Little Cold Water
Mr. Dick continues his copying work in a state of absolute felicity in the Buckingham Street household.
XLV: Mr. Dick Fulfils My Aunt’s Predictions
Supports Annie Strong during the confrontation and helps bring the truth to light, fulfilling Aunt Betsey's predictions.
I Am Involved in Mystery
Shows great compassion to Mr. Micawber, repeatedly shaking his hand.
Agnes
Mentioned as happily occupied with copying and keeping King Charles the First at a distance.
A Light Shines on My Way
Mr. Dick is discomfited by Aunt Betsey's agitated behavior.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Dick in x i become neglected and am provided for

See Mr. Dick in My Aunt Makes Up Her Mind About Me