David Copperfield · Character
Mr. Spenlow
A prosperous proctor whose immaculate garden and charming daughter Dora make David's clerkship feel like a doorway into a world he can barely afford to enter.
supporting
Also known as Spenlow, the late Mr. Spenlow
First appearance: XXIII: I Corroborate Mr. Dick, and Choose a Profession
As a supporting figure in David Copperfield, Mr. Spenlow is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Interviews David about the proctor vacancy; mentions the inflexible partner Mr.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Mr. Spenlow is a well-to-do proctor of the Commons who takes David on as a clerk and invites him home to a house where hats, whips, and walking-sticks crowd the hall and a lovely garden lies beyond. He is genial,…
Continue beside the text
The fuller portrait of Mr. Spenlow sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Mr. Spenlow in XXIII: I Corroborate Mr. Dick, and Choose a ProfessionCharacter Web
16 connectionsA slice of how Mr. Spenlow sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Other
Character groups
- Legal and professional associates
- Protagonist
- Central characters and antagonists
+11 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 readingIn the story
Mr. Spenlow appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- XXIII: I Corroborate Mr. Dick, and Choose a Profession
- XXIX: I Visit Steerforth at His Home, Again
- Blissful
- Depression
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Mr. Spenlow unlock in the free preview.
See Mr. Spenlow in XXIII: I Corroborate Mr. Dick, and Choose a Profession