David Copperfield · Character

Mrs. Gummidge

A widowed, complaining woman who lives with the Peggotty family.

minor

Also known as this unfortunate Mrs. Gummidge, old one Mrs. Gummidge, Missis Gummidge, Gummidge, wen Missis Gummidge

First appearance: vi i enlarge my circle of acquaintance

Mrs. Gummidge shows up with force in I Have a Change. The page is where that presence becomes real.

A widow living with the Peggotty family; often melancholy, thinking of her late husband, and treated with sympathy by Mr.

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In I Have a Change: A widow living with the Peggotty family; often melancholy, thinking of her late husband, and treated with sympathy by Mr. Peggotty. Later, in Some Old Scenes, and Some New People: Returns with a…

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See Mrs. Gummidge in vi i enlarge my circle of acquaintance

Character Web

7 connections

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Other

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Minor characters and background figures
Central characters and antagonists
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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Mrs. Gummidge appears across 5 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

I Have a Change
A widow living with the Peggotty family; often melancholy, thinking of her late husband, and treated with sympathy by Mr. Peggotty.
Some Old Scenes, and Some New People
Returns with a basket; Steerforth cheers her with a salutation and embrace.
The Beginning of a Long Journey
Transforms from querulous to devoted, selflessly caring for Mr. Peggotty and managing the household.
The Wanderer
Mentioned as the faithful creature sitting by the fire when Mr. Peggotty returned; she copied the reply to Em'ly.
LI: The Beginning of a Longer Journey
Mrs. Gummidge passionately begs Mr. Peggotty not to leave her behind, offering to work and be a comfort to him and Em'ly.

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See Mrs. Gummidge in vi i enlarge my circle of acquaintance

See Mrs. Gummidge in I Have a Change