David Copperfield (1850) by Charles Dickens recounts the life-story of David, the protagonist of the novel.

The novel primarily deals with David's growth and the changes that occur in his life on the way to maturity.

Born in Blunderstone, England, six months after the death of his father, David's early years are filled with happiness in the company of his loving mother and their kindhearted housekeeper, Clara Peggotty.

But his happiness is short-lived and his life takes an ugly turn when his mother decides to marry Mr. Murdstone. When David's mother dies, he is taken from school and put to work by Mr. Murdstone in a London warehouse. Finding his associates and the work unbearable, he runs away to his Aunt Betsey Trotwood in Dover where his life takes on a new venture.