Plot

Chapter 1: I Am Born

David Copperfield begins by wondering if he’ll be the hero of his own life story. He’s born at midnight on a Friday in Blunderstone, Suffolk. His dad had already died six months before, so it’s just him and his young mom, Clara. People say being born with a caul (a piece of membrane over his head) means bad luck or seeing ghosts—but David hasn’t seen any yet. His family tries to sell the caul, but no one buys it. It’s finally raffled off and won by an old lady who brags she’s never drowned, thanks to the lucky caul.

David never knew his father and feels sad thinking about his lonely grave. On the day he’s born, his great-aunt, Miss Betsey Trotwood, shows up expecting Clara to have a girl, planning to name the baby after herself. She’s a strong woman who left a bad marriage and now lives alone by the sea. But when she finds out the baby is a boy, she gets angry, says Clara is too young and weak, and storms out. Clara is scared and upset, crying by the fire. Miss Betsey disappears, and David is born into a world that already feels tense and uncertain.

Chapter 2: I Observe

David shares his first childhood memories—his mother is gentle and beautiful with curly hair, and Peggotty, their servant, is rough around the edges but kind and full of love. Their home, called the Rookery, has an empty doghouse and loud birds that make the place feel both warm and a little spooky. The nearby graveyard, where David’s father is buried, gives him the chills, especially at night.

One day, while walking home from church, a man with black whiskers offers to walk them back. David doesn’t like him from the start. This man is Mr. Murdstone, and soon things begin to feel different. Clara acts nervous, and Peggotty seems on edge. David, still very young, starts noticing all kinds of little things—Peggotty’s rough fingers, the smell of the kitchen, and strange new feelings in the air. At bedtime, he reads about crocodiles and teases Peggotty, who amusingly thinks they’re vegetables. Mr. Murdstone starts visiting more often, charming Clara. David feels left out and pushes his hand away when he tries to be friendly. Peggotty argues with Clara about the man, sensing danger ahead. Trouble is clearly coming.

Chapter 3: I Have a Change

David is sent to visit Peggotty’s brother, Mr. Peggotty, in Yarmouth. He lives in a house made from a beached boat, along with his kind niece Emily, strong nephew Ham, and their sad friend Mrs. Gummidge. Emily is fun and full of spirit, and David quickly becomes close to her. He loves playing by the sea, rowing boats, and watching ships come and go. Mrs. Gummidge often complains and talks about her late husband, but the rest of the house is full of love and laughter.

After two happy weeks, David is sad to leave and promises to write Emily big letters. But when he returns home, things feel strange. Peggotty picks him up but looks worried and quiet. At home, David is shocked to learn that his mother has married Mr. Murdstone. In the parlor, Clara is shy and quiet, and Mr. Murdstone is cold and strict. Everything in the house feels different—David’s room is gone, a big scary dog is in the yard, and the happy home he once knew has vanished. David realizes his world has changed, and not for the better.

Chapter 4: I Fall into Disgrace

Life at home gets worse. Mr. Murdstone’s sister, Miss Murdstone, arrives, bringing more strict rules. She’s stern, always wears dark clothes, and keeps the keys to the house. She controls everything, treating Clara like a child and making David’s life miserable. They say Clara needs to be “firm,” but really, they’re just cruel. David has to do lessons with Mr. Murdstone, but he gets nervous and can’t remember anything.

One day, after messing up, Mr. Murdstone beats him with a cane. In pain and anger, David bites his hand. As punishment, he’s locked in his room for five days. He feels sore and guilty and tries to comfort himself by reading his father’s old books. Peggotty quietly talks to him through the keyhole and tells him he’ll be sent to school near London the next day.

In the morning, David begs his weak, pale mother to forgive him, but Miss Murdstone quickly drags him out. A cart waits outside, and David rides away, crying, as Clara stands at the door, looking heartbroken and helpless. The chapter ends with David being sent off, labeled a disgrace by the harsh Murdstones, and uncertain about what lies ahead.

Chapter 5: I Am Sent Away From Home

After biting Mr. Murdstone in frustration, David is sent away from home in a cart. He cries the whole time until Peggotty suddenly jumps in, surprising him. She fills his pockets with cakes and slips him a little purse filled with coins from his mother, each labeled with love. Then, teary-eyed, she runs off. The cart driver, Mr. Barkis, is quiet but tells David he likes Peggotty and asks him to tell her, “Barkis is willin’,” meaning he wants to marry her.

At an inn, a kind waiter serves David meat and beer, joking about someone who once drank too much. David writes to Peggotty about Barkis’s message. Later, he boards a coach to London. He’s shy and nervous, and the other passengers tease him for supposedly having a huge appetite, which makes him too embarrassed to eat dinner. The ride is long and cold, and a lady’s basket keeps poking him, but he’s too polite to say anything.

In London, no one is there to meet him, and he feels lost until a thin man named Mr. Mell, a teacher from his new school, shows up. They stop for food—David buys bread, bacon, and eggs and eats while Mr. Mell plays terrible flute music. Finally, they reach the grim-looking Salem House school, where David is punished by having a sign reading “He Bites” hung on his back.

Chapter 6: I Enlarge My Circle of Acquaintance

David spends a lonely month at Salem House with only Mr. Mell for company. Then, the school gets busy preparing for the return of Mr. Creakle, the headmaster. Mr. Creakle is a strict, scary man who whispers when he talks and grabs David by the ear to show who’s boss. His wife and daughter seem quiet and harmless, but David is too nervous to care.

When the boys return, the first to arrive is Tommy Traddles, who makes David laugh at the silly “He Bites” sign. Then comes James Steerforth, an older, confident boy who quickly becomes popular. He takes David under his wing, says the sign is a shame, and makes David feel accepted. Steerforth takes David’s money—seven shillings—and suggests they use it to buy treats like cakes and wine. David admires him instantly and feels lucky to have his attention.

School is strict—Mr. Creakle hits boys with a cane regularly. David still dreads the sign on his back, but having Steerforth as a friend makes things easier. Mr. Mell remains kind but quiet, always playing his dull flute. Mr. Tungay, a man with a wooden leg, helps Creakle enforce the rules. David now has a few friends, but it’s Steerforth who becomes the biggest influence in his new life.

Chapter 7: My ‘First Half’ at Salem House

School life is hard. Mr. Creakle hits students every day, and the only reason David avoids beatings is because of his sign. Steerforth is everyone’s favorite—teachers and students admire him. Traddles often gets in trouble, especially for drawing funny skeletons.

David tells Steerforth bedtime stories, hoping to impress him. He feels proud but also unsure—he likes Steerforth but doesn’t always agree with him. One day, Steerforth finds out Mr. Mell’s mother lives in a poorhouse and mocks him for it in front of everyone. Mr. Mell is humiliated. Mr. Creakle sides with Steerforth and fires Mr. Mell on the spot. Mr. Mell leaves calmly, touching David’s shoulder in a kind farewell.

David is upset but doesn’t say anything, afraid Steerforth will turn on him. Traddles, however, cries openly and says it was unfair. Later, David gets a visit from Mr. Peggotty and Ham, who bring seafood. Their kindness cheers him up. They also meet Steerforth, who charms them too. David feels proud introducing his school friend to his family friends. The rest of the term is long, with beatings and boring lessons, but the holidays are near. David learns he’s going home—and feels both excited and uneasy.

Chapter 8: My Holidays. Especially One Happy Afternoon

David rides home with Mr. Barkis, who still hopes Peggotty will say yes to marrying him. He asks David again to remind her: “Barkis is willin’.” When David arrives, home feels strange. His mother looks tired and pale, holding a new baby. The Murdstones are out, so he gets a warm welcome from his mother and Peggotty. They laugh about Barkis’s proposal—Peggotty jokes she’d smack him if he asked directly.

They share a nice meal, and David holds the baby, feeling like the old times are back. But something’s different—his mother seems nervous and not as lively. Peggotty promises to stay by her side no matter what, which gives them comfort. They talk about school, Steerforth, and even Miss Betsey, wondering if she’ll leave anything for David in her will.

That night, the Murdstones return, and David is quickly sent to bed without seeing them. In the morning, Mr. Murdstone ignores David’s apology for biting him, and Miss Murdstone scolds him when he picks up the baby, saying he’s not allowed to touch him again. The rest of the holiday feels stiff and uncomfortable. David feels left out and starts counting the days until he can go back to school and be with Steerforth and his friends again.

Chapter 9: I Have a Memorable Birthday

On David’s birthday in March, Salem House is cold and foggy. The boys stomp their feet to stay warm. David is called to the parlor and thinks it’s because a birthday package from Peggotty has arrived. But instead, he sees Mr. and Mrs. Creakle. Mrs. Creakle gently tells him that his mother is very sick—and then, sadly, that she has died. David is shocked and starts crying uncontrollably. She kindly lets him cry all day. The boys treat him with more respect, and he feels strangely important in his grief. He imagines his mother and baby brother, who is also dying, being buried near their home.

The next night, David rides home slowly in a coach to attend the funeral. Mr. Omer, a cheerful tailor, meets him and talks about the mourning clothes being made. At Mr. Omer’s shop, David is measured for black clothes while Minnie and her fiancé Joram work on making his mother’s coffin. Their friendly mood feels strange and wrong to David, who is full of sadness. On the ride home, Peggotty meets him with tears and whispers that both his mother and baby brother are gone. David is overwhelmed by grief and holds on to the memory of his young, gentle mother forever.

Chapter 10: I Become Neglected, and Am Provided For

After the funeral, things change fast. Miss Murdstone fires Peggotty, givingher one month’s notice. David is left at home, ignored by the Murdstones. They stop being strict, but they also stop caring. He isn’t sent back to school, and no one pays him any attention. David feels worse being neglected than punished. He dreams of running away. Peggotty says she’s planning to visit her brother in Yarmouth and bravely asks if David can come too. Miss Murdstone says yes.

They travel with Mr. Barkis, a driver who gives Peggotty strange gifts like pigs’ feet and oranges—he clearly likes her. In Yarmouth, Mr. Peggotty and Ham greet them warmly, while Mrs. Gummidge complains a lot. Emily is now older and teases David in a grown-up way, which makes him feel distant from her. He still admires her, and they share a few quiet, sweet moments together. Peggotty hints she might marry Mr. Barkis, and David encourages her, making her feel better. He feels safe in their cozy boat-house and prays he can one day marry Emily. He’s still full of sadness but now feels a bit of hope too.

Chapter 11: I Begin Life on My Own Account, and Don’t Like It

Mr. Murdstone sends David to London to work at Murdstone and Grinby’s warehouse, which is dirty and depressing. At just ten years old, David has to label wine bottles with other rough boys. The job is hard and humiliating, but he hides his feelings. He lives with the Micawbers, a poor but lively family with lots of kids and a maid named the Orfling. Mr. Micawber is friendly but always in debt, and Mrs. Micawber pawns their belongings to get by.

David buys his own food—usually bread and milk—and stretches every coin. Sometimes he skips meals to afford cheap pudding. Bill collectors chase the Micawbers, and Mr. Micawber becomes so stressed he once thinks about ending his life. David helps them by pawning their books and grows close to the family despite the mess. Eventually, Mr. Micawber is arrested for debt and taken to King’s Bench Prison. David visits him there, even eating with him and other prisoners. Oddly, David finds some comfort with them, but inside, he’s still miserable. He keeps all of this secret from Peggotty.

Chapter 12: Liking Life on My Own Account No Better, I Form a Great Resolution

Mr. Micawber is finally released from prison under a law for people who owe money. He and his family are overjoyed and plan to move to Plymouth to start over. David is heartbroken to lose his only friends. He spends their last week together playing with the kids and eating dinners. Mrs. Micawber thanks him for his kindness, and Mr. Micawber gives him advice about not delaying things—though he’s guilty of that himself.

When the Micawbers leave, David dreads returning to his lonely life at the warehouse. That night, he makes a big decision: he’ll run away to find his aunt, Miss Betsey Trotwood. She’s the only family he has left. He writes to Peggotty, asking for her address, and learns she lives near Dover. He borrows half a guinea to pay for the trip. Though unsure of what will happen, he remembers his mother’s stories about Betsey, who was both strong and kind.

On a Saturday, David tricks his coworkers to leave early and hires a rough young man with a cart to carry his trunk. But the boy steals all his money and runs off. David chases him, but he’s gone. Now broke and alone, David begins his long journey to Dover, scared but determined to find a better life.

Chapter 13:The Sequel of My Resolution

After being robbed by a boy with a donkey-cart, David is left with only three halfpennies. Determined to reach his aunt Betsey in Dover, he begins a long, tiring walk. He rests briefly on a doorstep along Kent Road, then keeps walking all night, imagining someone might find him dead under a bush. At a rag shop, he sells his waistcoat to a grumpy man named Mr. Dolloby for ninepence. Now he has some money, but no longer has his warm vest. He sleeps near a haystack close to his old school, Salem House, and dreams of Steerforth.

The next day, a Sunday, he walks 23 miles to Rochester, eating some bread but too scared to trust strangers or spend much. In Chatham, he sleeps next to a big cannon and feels safer hearing a soldier’s steps nearby. On Monday, tired and sore, he sells his jacket to a strange, drunk old man after hours of bargaining. The man sings creepy songs, and some boys tease him, calling him a devil’s helper, which scares David. After eating more bread and drinking water, David continues walking through fields, avoiding scary travelers. A tinker steals his handkerchief and hits a woman, making David more determined than ever to reach Aunt Betsey.

Chapter 14: My Aunt Makes Up Her Mind About Me

David wakes up to find Aunt Betsey eating breakfast and looking thoughtful. She has written to Mr. Murdstone, which frightens David—he’s worried she might send him back. She isn’t sure yet what she’ll do with him. David meets Mr. Dick, a kind but unusual man who is working on a paper he calls the “Memorial.” He suggests David should get a bath, and soon David is washed and changed.

Aunt Betsey takes care of him, even chasing donkeys off her yard during it all. She feeds David some warm broth and starts asking him questions about his past. She’s upset about Clara marrying again and even unhappy Peggotty married. David defends Peggotty strongly, bursting into tears. This touches Aunt Betsey, but her serious mood returns quickly—more donkeys show up. Later, Mr. Dick says David should go to bed. Aunt Betsey puts him in a room with a view of the sea and locks the door, thinking he might run away. David, thinking of his nights sleeping outside, feels thankful for a warm bed. He falls asleep, unsure what will happen next but hopeful she’ll keep him.

Chapter 15: I Make Another Beginning

Mr. Dick takes David to Canterbury to meet Mr. Wickfield, a lawyer. Aunt Betsey hopes to send David to a nearby school run by Doctor Strong. She agrees to pay for everything, and David will live with Wickfield and his daughter, Agnes. Wickfield is tired and drinks too much, but their home feels peaceful. David’s worn-out clothes draw some attention, but he quickly feels more comfortable.

Aunt Betsey warns David not to become like Mr. Murdstone. She gives him some money and wise words before leaving with Mr. Dick, after once again dealing with a stubborn donkey. David meets Uriah Heep, Wickfield’s strange and pale clerk. Uriah’s cold, damp handshake and sly smile creep David out. At dinner, Wickfield drinks a lot but clearly loves his daughter Agnes, who helps manage the house. David is impressed by her calm, kind way. He explores the quiet old streets of Canterbury and talks to Uriah, who says he studies law and wants to grow in the firm.

Mr. Wickfield offers David a permanent place to stay while he studies. That night, as David settles into bed, he feels hopeful. His hard past starts to feel like a fading dream.

Chapter 16: I Am a New Boy in More Senses Than One

David starts school at Doctor Strong’s, a quiet, serious place. Doctor Strong is kind and wise, though a little shabby. His young wife, Annie, welcomes David warmly. David is surprised to learn she’s not the Doctor’s daughter, but his wife. Mr. Wickfield visits Doctor Strong, and they talk about Annie’s lazy cousin, Jack Maldon, who wants to be sent overseas for work.

At school, David is greeted by the head boy, Adams, and made to feel welcome, though he still feels out of place because of his past in the factory. The tough experiences from his old life—like visiting prison or pawning his clothes—still haunt him and make him shy around other boys. At home, Agnes helps him with his studies and gives him quiet support that brings him comfort.

Uriah Heep keeps bragging about his law studies and hints that he wants to be part of the Wickfield business. At a party held before Jack Maldon leaves for India, Annie faints, and David notices how upset she is about his departure. The atmosphere is tense. Still, Doctor Strong’s school feels like the opposite of Creakle’s cruel place—it’s a school where the boys respect each other and learn honestly. David works hard, begins to leave his past behind, and slowly grows into his new life.