David Copperfield (Adaptation) characters

Appears from the start

The narrator and central figure, looking back on his life from birth. He begins as a fatherless child raised by his young mother and their devoted servant Peggotty, observant but powerless over the adults who determine his early fortunes.

Appears from the start

David's affectionate, inexperienced mother, widowed before his birth. She loves her son but is easily intimidated and depends heavily on Peggotty's steadiness.

Also known as Peggotty

First appears in chapter 2

The Copperfield household's loyal servant and David's nurse. Practical, warm, and protective, she provides the security that his fragile home otherwise lacks.

First appears in chapter 2

A stern, controlled man who courts David's mother. David instinctively fears his authority and the influence he begins to exert over the household.

Also known as Daniel Peggotty

First appears in chapter 3

Peggotty's fisherman brother, who keeps a welcoming home in a converted boat at Yarmouth. He has taken responsibility for his orphaned relatives and treats David with immediate kindness.

Also known as Little Em'ly

First appears in chapter 3

Mr Peggotty's orphaned niece and David's childhood companion during his visit to Yarmouth. Lively and proud, she dreams of escaping the dangers and poverty associated with life at sea.

First appears in chapter 3

Mr Peggotty's strong, good-natured nephew, raised in the Yarmouth household. He works around boats and is devoted to his adopted family.

First appears in chapter 6

A charismatic older pupil at Salem House who quickly becomes the young David's hero. Confident and socially assured, he can charm both schoolfellows and adults.

First appears in chapter 6

A cheerful, resilient pupil at Salem House who is mocked for his awkwardness. He remains generous toward David and refuses to let humiliation destroy his good nature.

First appears in chapter 11

An eloquent but chronically indebted London clerk who takes the abandoned David into his crowded home. He meets every new financial disaster with grand confidence that better fortune will arrive.

Also known as Betsey Trotwood

Appears from the start

David's formidable great-aunt, who arrives before his birth expecting Clara's child to be a girl. When a boy is born instead, she abruptly leaves the household in disappointment.

First appears in chapter 14

Betsey Trotwood's eccentric and gentle companion. Though his thoughts often wander toward the troubles of King Charles I, he treats David seriously and responds to distress with compassion.

First appears in chapter 15

The calm, capable daughter of Mr Wickfield, in whose Canterbury home David lodges while attending Doctor Strong's school. She becomes a trusted friend whose judgment is steadier than that of many adults around them.

First appears in chapter 15

Mr Wickfield's pale young clerk, outwardly submissive and constantly emphasizing his low position. His watchfulness and intrusive familiarity make David uneasy from their first meetings.

First appears in chapter 26

The sheltered daughter of David's employer, Mr Spenlow. David is immediately captivated by her beauty and playful manner and begins to imagine his future around her.