David Copperfield · Character
Uriah Heep
A red-eyed, writhing clerk who cloaks his ambition in false humility while tightening his grip on Mr. Wickfield.
major
Also known as Uriah, Heep, overlooking Uriah Heep, Ury
First appearance: XV: I Make Another Beginning
As a major figure in David Copperfield, Uriah Heep is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Uriah Heep is introduced as a cadaverous, red-haired youth working for Mr.
Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.
Uriah works his way into the Wickfield household through professions of umbleness, exploiting the lawyer's weakness and guilt to gain power over his affairs. His clammy deference is a weapon, and his resentment of…
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The fuller portrait of Uriah Heep sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Uriah Heep in XV: I Make Another BeginningCharacter Web
24 connectionsA slice of how Uriah Heep sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Psychological
- Professional
- Other
Character groups
- Central characters and antagonists
- Protagonist
+19 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 readingRelationships
- David Copperfield
rivalry · negative
David is repulsed by Uriah's oily hypocrisy and later exposes his villainy, making them… How this plays out →
- Agnes Wickfield
rivalry · negative
- Mr. Wickfield
psychological · negative
- Wilkins Micawber
professional · negative
- David Copperfield
rivalry · negative
David is repulsed by Uriah's oily hypocrisy and later exposes his villainy, making them… How this plays out →
- Wilkins Micawber
professional · negative
- Mr. Wickfield
psychological · negative
- Agnes Wickfield
rivalry · negative
- Agnes Wickfield
rivalry · negative
- Wilkins Micawber
professional · negative
- Mr. Wickfield
psychological · negative
- David Copperfield
rivalry · negative
David is repulsed by Uriah's oily hypocrisy and later exposes his villainy, making them… How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Uriah Heep in XV: I Make Another BeginningIn the story
Uriah Heep appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
- XV: I Make Another Beginning
- XVI: I Am a New Boy in More Senses Than One
- Somebody Turns Up
- Good and Bad Angels
- I Fall Into Captivity
- Enthusiasm
- Wickfield and Heep
- XLII: Mischief
- +3 more
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Uriah Heep unlock in the free preview.
See Uriah Heep in XV: I Make Another Beginning