David Copperfield

David Copperfield is born in Blunderstone, Suffolk, after his father's death. His mother Clara and their kind servant Peggotty care for him. His father's aunt, the stern Miss Betsey Trotwood, visits just before his birth, hoping for a girl to raise. Disappointed by David's birth as a boy, she leaves immediately. David's early years are happy until his mother marries the cruel Mr. Murdstone, who brings his equally harsh sister to control the household.

Mr. Murdstone is cruel and beats David for failing his lessons. After David bites him in self-defense, he is locked in his room for five days as punishment. He is then sent away to Salem House, a harsh boarding school run by the violent Mr. Creakle. There, David befriends the unlucky Tommy Traddles and admires the charismatic older boy, James Steerforth, who becomes his protector but also spends David's money freely.

David returns home for the Christmas holidays to find his mother has a new baby but is very ill. Soon after he returns to school, he learns his mother has died. He returns for the funeral and is not welcomed by the Murdstones. They send him to London to work in a wine warehouse, a miserable job for a ten-year-old. He feels ashamed and fears he will forget his education. He lodges with the poor but kind Micawber family, who are constantly in debt.

When the Micawbers leave London, a desperate David decides to find his only relative, Aunt Betsey Trotwood, in Dover. His money and case are stolen on the way, forcing him to walk the entire distance. He arrives dirty and exhausted. Despite his shocking appearance, his aunt takes him in after a fierce argument with the Murdstones, who have come to reclaim him. She bravely declares she will keep and care for David herself, changing his life forever.

Betsey sends David to a good school in Canterbury, where he boards with her lawyer, Mr. Wickfield, and his daughter Agnes. Agnes becomes David's wise friend and confidante. He also meets Uriah Heep, Wickfield's cunning and hypocritical clerk, who makes David uncomfortable. David thrives at Dr. Strong's school. Years later, he finishes his education and, on his aunt's advice, goes to London to consider his future profession.

In London, David reconnects with Steerforth and is introduced to the Spenlow family. He instantly falls in love with Dora Spenlow, a beautiful but childish girl. They secretly become engaged. Meanwhile, David learns that his aunt has lost her money. He starts working hard as a law clerk and a secretary to support himself and his aunt. After Mr. Spenlow's sudden death, Dora goes to live with her aunts, and David is eventually allowed to court her properly.

David and Dora marry. David loves her deeply, but married life is difficult as Dora is impractical and cannot manage a household. Around this time, Daniel Peggotty finds Emily, whom Steerforth had seduced and abandoned in Italy. The kind-hearted Ham remains devoted to her. A major crisis erupts when Mr. Micawber, now working for Uriah Heep, exposes Heep's plot to ruin Mr. Wickfield and steal his money and business. With Traddles' help, Heep is defeated and forced to leave.

Tragedy strikes in Yarmouth during a terrible storm. A ship is wrecked, and the lone sailor seen clinging to the mast is Steerforth. Ham Peggotty bravely attempts a rescue but is killed by a massive wave. Steerforth's body is later found washed ashore. This double loss devastates David, who had long admired Steerforth despite his flaws. Soon after, David's frail wife, Dora, becomes seriously ill and dies, leaving him utterly heartbroken.

Overwhelmed by grief, David travels abroad for three years. He becomes a successful writer. Agnes Wickfield's faithful letters give him strength and purpose. He finally realizes that she has always been his true source of guidance and love. He understands that his love for Dora was a passion of youth, but his bond with Agnes is deeper and more enduring. He decides to return to England and confess his feelings to her.

David returns to Canterbury and discovers Agnes has loved him all her life. They marry and find profound happiness. David becomes a famous author. They have a family and are surrounded by old friends: Traddles, now a successful lawyer, Peggotty, his aunt, and Mr. Dick. News arrives that Daniel Peggotty and Emily have built a good life in Australia, and Mr. Micawber has finally found success there. David reflects that Agnes has been his lifelong good angel.