David Copperfield: who's who, timeline and places

Everyone in David Copperfield, what happens when, and where, without spoilers: tell us how far you have read and we show only what you already know.

I have read up to chapter

1of 64

David CopperfieldHe narrates his birth after his father's death and his great-aunt's disappointed visit.First seen in chapter 1
Betsey TrotwoodDavid's forceful great-aunt expects a girl and leaves angrily when a boy is born.First seen in chapter 1
David's motherA frightened widow, she faces Miss Trotwood's forceful questions before David's birth.First seen in chapter 1
PeggottyShe shares David's early home life and objects to the gentleman visiting his mother.First seen in chapter 2
Mr. MurdstoneHis visits to David's mother disturb their closeness and stir the boy's jealousy.First seen in chapter 2
Mr. PeggottyPeggotty's generous relative supports two orphaned relatives and the widow of his former boat partner.First seen in chapter 3
little Em’lyDavid's young friend in Yarmouth fears the sea and dreams of becoming a lady.First seen in chapter 3
SteerforthA boy at Salem House wins David's devotion and promises him protection.First seen in chapter 6
TraddlesA boy at Salem House turns David's warning placard into a source of amusement.First seen in chapter 6
Mr. MicawberDavid's landlord struggles with debts and demanding creditors while supporting his family.First seen in chapter 11
Mr. DickDavid's aunt protects this friend from mistreatment, and he shows David his manuscript-covered kite.First seen in chapter 14
AgnesMr. Wickfield's daughter has a calm presence that comforts David in his new lodging.First seen in chapter 15
Uriah HeepHe meets David in Canterbury, where his watching and clammy handshake disturb the boy.First seen in chapter 15
DoraMr. Spenlow's daughter immediately wins David's love when he visits her father's home.First seen in chapter 26

Chapter 1
David is born after his father's death, and Miss Trotwood leaves angrily because he is not a girl.
Chapter 3
After a happy visit to Yarmouth, David returns home to learn that his mother has married Mr. Murdstone.
Chapter 4
David bites Mr. Murdstone during a beating and is confined before being sent to school.
Chapter 7
David's disclosures help Steerforth humiliate Mr. Mell and cause his dismissal from Salem House.
Chapter 9
David learns that his mother and baby brother have died and returns home for their burial.
Chapter 11
David begins warehouse work and lodges with the debt-ridden Micawbers, suffering hunger and shame.
Chapter 14
David's aunt rejects the Murdstones' accusations and agrees to keep him.
Chapter 15
David moves to Canterbury for school and meets Agnes and Uriah Heep at Mr. Wickfield's home.
Chapter 19
David leaves school, travels to London, and joyfully meets Steerforth again.
Chapter 23
David accepts his aunt's proposal to become a proctor and arranges a trial with Spenlow and Jorkins.
Chapter 26
David begins professional training and falls in love with Dora during a visit to Mr. Spenlow's home.
Chapter 31
Emily runs away with Steerforth, and Mr. Peggotty vows to find her.
Chapter 34
David's aunt announces that she has lost her fortune, testing his new independence.
Chapter 43
David earns money through reporting and writing, then marries Dora with support from family and friends.
Chapter 44
David and Dora struggle with servants, meals, and accounts as their different expectations cause their first quarrel.
Chapter 50
Martha leads David to Emily's refuge, where Mr. Peggotty finally finds his niece.
Chapter 52
Mr. Micawber exposes Uriah Heep's fraud with documents, and Traddles demands restitution.
Chapter 53
Dora grows weaker, speaks privately with Agnes, and dies.
Chapter 55
Ham dies attempting a rescue during a terrible storm, and David recognizes a former school companion's body.
Chapter 57
David joins the emigrants' farewells before Mr. Peggotty, Emily, Martha, and the Micawbers sail for Australia.
Chapter 58
Abroad in grief, David finds courage through Agnes's letter, resumes writing, and acknowledges his love for her.
Chapter 62
David and Agnes reveal their love for each other and marry within a fortnight.
Chapter 63
Mr. Peggotty visits David and Agnes and describes their friends' lives in the colony.
Chapter 64
David surveys his family and friends, with Agnes remaining his closest companion.
Hidden until you have read that far.

Free for 3 months

Get the full summary of David Copperfield, free

200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan

Empieza 90 días gratisNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.

200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold

15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.

Start free

Back to the David Copperfield study guide · Quiz and flashcards