# Mrs. Strong — David Copperfield character guide

> Mrs. Strong in David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mrs. Doctor Strong, Annie, Poor Annie

**First appearance:** 0019-xvi-i-am-a-new-boy-in-more-senses-than-one

## Snapshot

Doctor Strong's young and beautiful wife, whose loyalty to her much older husband is tested by gossip, her mother's meddling, and a shadow from her past.

## Who they are

Annie Strong married the Doctor out of genuine gratitude and affection, but the gap in their ages and the whispers of Canterbury make her position uneasy. Her mother, the Old Soldier, drags her to concerts and exhibitions in the name of duty, while a former suitor, Mr. Maldon, hovers at the edges of the household. She is watched by everyone, including David, and her quiet dignity under suspicion is one of the novel's most affecting studies in patience.

## Relationships

### [Doctor Strong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/doctor_strong)

_romantic_

Doctor Strong and his much younger wife Annie share a loving but tested marriage, ultimately strengthened by trust.

### [Doctor Strong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/doctor_strong)

_romantic_

Doctor Strong and his much younger wife Annie share a loving but tested marriage, ultimately strengthened by trust.

### [Doctor Strong](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/characters/doctor_strong)

_romantic_

Doctor Strong and his much younger wife Annie share a loving but tested marriage, ultimately strengthened by trust.

## In the story

### [XVI: I Am a New Boy in More Senses Than One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xvi-i-am-a-new-boy-in-more-senses-than-one)

Annie Strong is kind to David, takes care of the Doctor, and seems constrained around Mr. Wickfield.

### [XIX: I Look About Me, and Make a Discovery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xix-i-look-about-me-and-make-a-discovery)

Annie Strong is visibly distressed when her mother reads Jack Maldon's letter, and David begins to mistrust her innocence.

### [XLV: Mr. Dick Fulfils My Aunt’s Predictions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xlv-mr-dick-fulfils-my-aunt-s-predictions)

Annie Strong bravely confronts her husband, denies any improper feelings for Jack Maldon, and affirms her devotion to the Doctor.

## Links

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