David Copperfield (novel) facts for kids

Cover of the first magazine part of David Copperfield from 1849.

David Copperfield is a famous novel written by Charles Dickens. It was first published in parts, like a TV show today, in a magazine. The full title was very long: The Personal History, Adventures, Experience and Observation of David Copperfield the Younger of Blunderstone Rookery (which he never meant to publish on any account).

The story is told by David himself, looking back on his life. It's a journey through his childhood and growing-up years. Many memorable characters, both good and bad, appear in the book.

Meet the Characters in David Copperfield

David's Difficult Times

David faces many challenges from people who are not kind. One of these is his mean stepfather, Edward Murdstone. Mr. Murdstone is very strict and unfair to David. He sends David away to a harsh boarding school.

The headmaster of this school is Mr. Creakle. He is also very cruel to the students. Another bad character is Uriah Heep, a sneaky and dishonest clerk. He tries to trick people and cause trouble for David and his friends.

David's Helpful Friends

Luckily, David also meets many wonderful people who help him. Peggotty is a kind and loyal servant. She is like a second mother to David and stays with him throughout his life.

Aunt Betsy Trotwood is David's eccentric but loving great-aunt. She takes David in when he has nowhere else to go. Her friend, Mr. Dick, is also very kind and gentle. He is known for his love of flying kites.

Agnes Wickfield is David's childhood friend. She is wise and supportive, always there for him. She later becomes David's second wife and the mother of their children.

Mr. Micawber is a friendly and cheerful man. He often struggles with money and ends up in a debtors' prison. This was a place where people were held if they couldn't pay their debts. Despite his money troubles, Mr. Micawber always believes "something will turn up." He eventually finds success as a sheep farmer in Australia. Charles Dickens based Mr. Micawber on his own father.

Images for kids

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  The England of David Copperfield.

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  Illustration of David falling in love with Dora Spenlow, by Frank Reynolds

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  David and Emily on the beach at Yarmouth, by Harold Copping.

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  Charles Dickens in 1850

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  Title page of the first edition by Bradbury & Evans, signed by Dickens

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  The Wanderer, Mr Peggotty talks to David as Martha overhears, by Phiz.

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  David reaches Canterbury, from David Copperfield, by Frank Reynolds

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  Mr Dick and his kite, from David Copperfield, by Frank Reynolds

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  Aunt Betsey & Mr Dick say no to Mr Murdstone and his sister, by Phiz.

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  Traddles, Micawber and David from David Copperfield, by Frank Reynolds

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  Steerforth from David Copperfield, by Frank Reynolds

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  Dr Strong and his young wife Annie, by Phiz

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  Agnes Wickfield, David's second wife, by Frank Reynolds

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  Mr Micawber and the art of baking, with Mrs Micawber and the twins, by Fred Barnard.

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  The Awakening Conscience, William Holman Hunt (1851–1853)

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  Tom Jones was an important influence on Dickens

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  Uriah Heep at his desk, by Fred Barnard

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  Steerforth and Mr Mell, by Phiz.

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  Yarmouth, Norfolk, engraving by William Miller after Turner

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  Hablot Knight Browne (Phiz), illustrator

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  The Peggotty family house depicted by Phiz

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  Barkis takes David to Yarmouth (Harold Copping)

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  Daniel Peggotty by Frank Reynolds

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  Peggotty and David, by Jessie Willcox-Smith

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  Micawber by "Kyd"

See also

In Spanish: David Copperfield (novela) para niños