Characters in David Copperfield

David Copperfield

The narrator, who tells the story of his life from his posthumous birth through a harsh childhood to his career as a writer.

Edward Murdstone

David's cruel and domineering stepfather, who marries his mother and imposes a harsh regime on the household.

Uriah Heep

A scheming, falsely humble clerk who worms his way into the Wickfield law practice and becomes the main antagonist of the later story.

Richard Babley

Daniel Peggotty

Ham Peggotty

Mr. Wickfield

Clara Copperfield Murdstone

Rosa Dartle

Mrs. Gummidge

Emma Micawber

Jane Murdstone

Clara Peggotty

Little Em'ly

Betsey Trotwood

David's eccentric but kind-hearted great-aunt, who gives him refuge and becomes his guardian.

Wilkins Micawber

A genial, perpetually indebted optimist who befriends David in London and is forever waiting for something to turn up.

James Steerforth

David's charming, older school friend, whom he idolises despite signs of carelessness and arrogance.

Agnes Wickfield

The daughter of David's lawyer landlord and his devoted, level-headed friend and confidante from his schooldays in Canterbury.

Dora Spenlow

The pretty, childlike daughter of David's employer, with whom he falls headlong in love as a young man.

Thomas Traddles

David's good-natured, unassuming school friend who struggles at first but grows into a loyal and dependable lawyer.