Chapter 1: David’s Early Days
David Copperfield is born in England. His father dies before he is born, and he lives with his kind mother, Clara, and their maid, Peggotty. They are happy until Clara marries Mr. Murdstone, a strict and mean man. Mr. Murdstone brings his equally cruel sister, Miss Murdstone, to live with them. They treat David and his mother harshly.
Chapter 2: Peggotty’s Family
David visits Peggotty’s family in Yarmouth. Her brother, Mr. Peggotty, lives in a small house with his adopted children, Emily and Ham, and an old woman named Mrs. Gummidge. They are poor but very kind and loving. David enjoys his time there.
Chapter 3: Boarding School
David returns home to find his mother unhappy. Mr. Murdstone sends David away to a strict boarding school called Salem House, run by Mr. Creakle, a cruel headmaster. David makes friends with two boys, James Steerforth and Tommy Traddles. Despite the harsh conditions, David finds comfort in their friendship.
Chapter 4: Sad News
David comes home for a break and finds his mother very ill. Soon after, she dies, and David is heartbroken. Mr. Murdstone sends him back to school, and after finishing, David is sent to work in a factory in London, where he is very unhappy.
Chapter 5: Meeting Mr. Micawber
In London, David stays with the Micawber family. Mr. Micawber is always in debt but remains cheerful and hopeful. David grows fond of the Micawbers, but they eventually leave London due to their financial troubles.
Chapter 6: Running Away
David decides to run away from the factory to find his only living relative, Aunt Betsey Trotwood. He travels a long way and finally reaches her home. Aunt Betsey is strict but kind and takes David in, promising to care for him.
Chapter 7: A New Life
Aunt Betsey sends David to a good school in Canterbury. He lives with Mr. Wickfield, a lawyer, and meets Mr. Wickfield’s daughter, Agnes, who becomes a close friend and confidante. David also meets the creepy Uriah Heep, Mr. Wickfield’s clerk, who pretends to be humble but is secretly plotting to take over Mr. Wickfield’s business.
Chapter 8: Growing Up
David does well in school and later becomes an apprentice to learn a trade. He stays with the Wickfields and continues to be close to Agnes. Meanwhile, Uriah Heep’s power grows as he manipulates people around him, including Mr. Wickfield.
Chapter 9: Love and Loss
David falls in love with Dora Spenlow, the daughter of his employer. They get engaged, but Dora is very childish and not practical. Despite their differences, David loves her deeply. They marry, but Dora soon becomes ill and dies young, leaving David heartbroken once again.
Chapter 10: Uriah Heep’s Downfall
Uriah Heep’s schemes are finally exposed, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Micawber, who works for Heep and gathers evidence against him. Heep is disgraced and loses his power over the Wickfield family. Mr. Wickfield and Agnes are relieved, and their lives begin to improve.
Chapter 11: Finding Happiness
David, now a successful writer, travels abroad to heal from his losses. He realizes that his true love has always been Agnes. He returns to England and confesses his feelings to her. They marry and find happiness together.
Chapter 12: Friends and Family
David’s friends also find happiness. Mr. Peggotty, Emily, and Ham move to Australia to start a new life. Mr. Micawber’s fortunes improve, and he moves to Australia as well. Tommy Traddles becomes a successful lawyer and marries his sweetheart, Sophie.
Chapter 13: A Happy Ending
David and Agnes have a happy family with children. Despite the hardships and losses he faced, David’s life is filled with love and friendship. He is grateful for the people who helped him along the way and looks forward to a bright future.
