# Mrs. Gummidge — David Copperfield character guide

> Mrs. Gummidge in David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** minor

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

**First appearance:** 0009-vi-i-enlarge-my-circle-of-acquaintance

## Who they are

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

## In the story

### [I Have a Change](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/iii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxxii-the-beginning-of-a-long-journey)

Transforms from querulous to devoted, selflessly caring for Mr. Peggotty and managing the household.

### [The Wanderer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xl-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/mrs_gummidge
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters