J. M. Lybyer - CliffsNotes on Dickens David Copperfield

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The novel traces the life of David Copperfield from the time of his birth to his mature manhood, when he is married and familiar with the vicissitudes of life. His early years are enjoyable with his motherwho was widowed shortly before his birthand with her servant, Peggotty. Life is happy for David until his mother decides to marry Mr. Murdstone; afterward, life becomes unbearable for David. He is soon sent to a miserable school where he becomes friendly with James Steerforth, a fellow student.

When Davids mother dies, he is taken from school and put to work by Mr. Murdstone in a London warehouse. Although David enjoys the company of the impoverished Micawber family, with whom he boards, his other associates and the work are intolerable, so, without money or property, he runs away to his Aunt Betsey Trotwood in Dover. Despite a stern exterior, Aunt Betsey treats him well, adopting him and sending him to a good school. While at school, he boards with a Mr. Wickfield and his daughter Agnes. (Throughout the novel, David retains a fond, sisterly affection for Agnes.) After graduation, David works in the law office of Spenlow & Jorkins and soon falls in love with Mr. Spenlows daughter, Dora.

About this time, Emly, the Peggottys beloved niece, runs off to marry Steerforth, whom David had innocently introduced to her while she was engaged to Ham, a nephew of the Peggottys. The family is saddened by this development, but Mr. Peggotty sets out to find her and bring her back. David uses his spare time doing clerical and literary work to help Aunt Betsey, who now finds herself without financial resources. He marries Dora, only to find that he has a child-wife who knows nothing of housekeeping and cannot accept any responsibility.

Meanwhile, Uriah Heep, an umble clerk in Mr. Wickfields employ, whom David dislikes, has deceitfully worked his way into a partnership, aided by Mr. Wickfields weakness for wine. In addition, David also discovers that his old friend Mr. Micawber has gone to work for Heep. David has remained fond of the Micawbers, and it troubles him that his old friend is working for a scoundrel. Eventually, however, Micawber has a grand moment of glory when he exposes Heep as a fraud, helping to save Mr. Wickfield and restoring some of Aunt Betseys finances.

Davids wife, Dora, becomes ill and dies, and David is troubled until Emly, the Peggottys niece, returns to her uncle. David has felt guilty for some time for having introduced Emly to Steerforth. After a reconciliation is accomplished, Emly, along with some of the Peggottys, and the Micawbers leave for Australia to begin new lives. Before they leave, David witnesses a dramatic shipwreck in which Steerforth is killed, as is Ham in attempting to rescue him. Still saddened by the loss of his wife and other events, David goes abroad for three years. It is only after he returns that he realizes that Agnes Wickfield has been his true love all along, and their happy marriage takes place at last.

David CopperfieldHe is the central character in the novel and tells the story of his life from birth to adulthood. David is a sensitive youth who first suffers under the cruel Murdstones and then is sent away to work in a wine warehouse. David first marries Dora Spenlow, an empty-headed young girl; afterward, he realizes how incompatible they really are. When Dora dies, he marries Agnes Wickfield and by the novels end, he has matured into a successful writer and adult.

Clara CopperfieldDavids mother. She is an attractive, tender person, but impractical and emotional and easily taken in by Mr. Murdstone, who marries her because he is interested in her annuity.

Clara PeggottyThe Copperfields housekeeper, who also acts as Davids nurse. She is a woman of intense loyalty and is Davids only companion after his mothers death. Peggotty marries Barkis, the cart-driver, and continues throughout the novel to be Davids friend.

Edward MurdstoneDavids stepfather. A dark, handsome man who cruelly beats David and slowly drives Davids mother to an early death.

Jane MurdstoneMr. Murdstones sister. She runs the Copperfield household and incessantly harasses David.

Mr. BarkisThe driver of the horse-cart that travels between Yarmouth and Davids home. He is a shy, quiet man who uses David as a messenger in his courtship of Peggotty.

Mr. ChillipThe doctor who delivers David. He is an exceedingly mild-mannered, frightened little man who is especially afraid of Davids aunt, Betsey Trotwood.

Daniel PeggottyClara Peggottys brother and a Yarmouth fisherman. He is a warm-hearted man whose house is a refuge for anyone who needs help.

Ham PeggottyMr. Peggottys orphaned nephew. Ham, like his uncle, is a considerate, kindly person. He is in love with Emly and waits patiently for her after she runs away. He finally dies in an attempt to save Steerforth, Emlys seducer.

Little EmlyMr. Peggottys orphaned niece. She is Davids childhood sweetheart, but becomes engaged to Ham and later runs away with Steerforth. She is a quiet, compassionate young girl who wants to become a lady, a desire that leads to unhappiness.

Mrs. GummidgeThe widow of Mr. Peggottys partner. She constantly complains about her hardships, but when Emly runs away, she changes into a helpful, inspiring confidante of Mr. Peggotty.

Charles MellA schoolmaster at the Salem House boarding school. A gentle friend and teacher of David.

Mr. CreakleThe sadistic headmaster of the Salem House School. He is a fiery-faced man who enjoys flogging the boys with a cane. He later becomes a prison magistrate.

Mr. TungayThe assistant and cruel companion of Mr. Creakle. He has a wooden leg and repeats everything that Creakle says.

James SteerforthA spoiled young man whom David admires. He has a surface polish and the good manners that deceive people who do not know him. His true selfishness is shown when he deserts Emly, leaving her with his servant, Littimer. He is killed in a storm off Yarmouth along with Ham, who tries to save him.