The Personal History of David Copperfield

A bright and adaptable boy who survives harsh treatment and social pressure, growing into a thoughtful, determined man who uses his experiences to write. His curiosity and resilience help him navigate love, work, and family.

A fierce, independent aunt and guardian who shelters David and challenges social norms. Her wit and generosity drive much of the story’s heart and moral backbone.

A kind, steady lawyer whose life is unsettled by Uriah Heep’s schemes. He represents integrity and moral steadiness in a turbulent period.

A sly clerk who manipulates others to gain power and money. His scheming tests loyalties and reveals the corrosive effects of deceit.

David’s loyal friend and moral compass. She embodies quiet strength and compassion, offering steadiness amid turmoil.

David’s fiancée whose romantic idealism clashes with practical realities. Her engagement exposes the tension between love and social expectations.

A charismatic classmate whose charm hides a self-serving nature. He influences David and others, with consequences that ripple through their lives.

A warm, loyal guardian from David’s childhood whose family ties anchor him to home and memory.

Peggotty’s adopted daughter whose fate intersects with Steerforth’s recklessness, highlighting vulnerability and resilience.

A cheerful optimist whose family drifts between debt and home. His humor and stubborn optimism help keep the group together.

Dora Spenlow’s father, a stern, respectable employer who embodies the social expectations surrounding marriage and success.

Peggotty’s loyal fiancé whose devotion and heartbreak ripple through the lives of David and his friends.

A kindly, eccentric lodger who preserves memory and old thoughts in scribbles. His gentle wisdom provides warmth and insight.

A lively, supportive matriarch who helps keep the family connected and offers shelter during hard times.

A strict headmaster whose harsh authority shapes David's boyhood, contributing to his early discipline and challenges.