David Copperfield · Character

Mr. Peggotty

A Yarmouth fisherman who turns a beached boat into a home and fills it with orphans, embodying a stubborn, unshowy, almost religious love.

supporting

Also known as Dan'l Peggotty, Dan'l, Daniel, Dan, Uncle Dan

First appearance: vi i enlarge my circle of acquaintance

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

Peggotty's brother; a kind, hospitable fisherman who lives in a boathouse and cares for his orphaned niece and nephew.

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Dan'l Peggotty is the boat-house patriarch, a rough, kind man who adopts his nephew Ham and niece Em'ly and shelters the wandering Mrs. Gummidge without a word of complaint. When Em'ly vanishes, his faith that he will find her becomes the novel's most moving act of patience — he walks, sails, and saves for years, never doubting. His steadfastness gives the story its moral center and its most affecting portrait of fatherhood.

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See Mr. Peggotty in vi i enlarge my circle of acquaintance

Character Web

17 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Central characters and antagonists
Minor characters and background figures
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

Mr. Peggotty appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I Have a Change
Peggotty's brother; a kind, hospitable fisherman who lives in a boathouse and cares for his orphaned niece and nephew.
My "First Half" at Salem House
David's kind friend who visits Salem House with Ham, bringing gifts and meeting Steerforth.
Little Em'ly
Proudly speaks of his love for Em'ly and recounts Ham's honorable but unrequited love for her.
Some Old Scenes, and Some New People
Goes boating with Steerforth; his house is a gathering place.
A Loss
Opens the door for David, comforts Em'ly with pride and tenderness, and goes upstairs to inform Peggotty of David's arrival.
A Greater Loss
Mr. Peggotty is devastated by Em'ly's flight, reading her farewell letter with profound grief.
The Beginning of a Long Journey
Resolves to leave the old boat but keeps it as a symbol of hope for Em'ly's return; prepares for a long journey.
The Wanderer
Describes his long journey through France and Italy seeking Little Em'ly, showing his steadfast love and forgiveness.
XLVI: Intelligence
Devoted uncle of Little Em'ly, who receives the news of her separation from Steerforth with quiet dignity and unwavering hope.
Martha
Accompanies David, shows profound compassion and horror, and asks Martha to help find his niece Little Em'ly.
Mr. Peggotty's Dream Comes True
Remains unwavering in his search for Emily, undertaking long journeys and saving money for her.
LI: The Beginning of a Longer Journey
Mr. Peggotty recounts the rescue of Little Em'ly and announces his plan to emigrate to Australia with her.
Mr. Micawber's Transactions
Mentioned as a trusted confidant for advancing money and being entrusted with part of his own story.
Tempest
Brother of Clara Peggotty; gives David Em'ly's letter and tries to dissuade him from traveling.
LXIII: A Visitor
An old, hearty, and robust man who has traveled from Australia to see David and Agnes. He shares news of his thriving life and of Little Em'ly.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Peggotty in vi i enlarge my circle of acquaintance

See Mr. Peggotty in I Have a Change