David Coppergield's early years are enjoyable with his mother — who was widowed shortly before his birth — and with her servant, Peggotty. Life is happy for David until his mother decides to marry Mr. Murdstone; afterward, life becomes unbearable for David. He is soon sent to a miserable school where he becomes friendly with James Steerforth, a fellow student.
A few years later his mother dies and David is taken out from school. He is put is a workhouse in London owned by Mr Murdstone. David enjoys himself there because there are many children and the people are kind to him. But after some time Mr Murdstone gets poor and is also sent to prison so David could not work there. He runs away to his Aunt Betsy Trotwood in Dover
Aunt Betsy treats him well and adopts him. She sents him to a good school where he is tought and treated well. While at school, he boards with a Mr. Wickfield and his daughter Agnes. David and Agnes help each other and soon David is graduated.
After graduation, David works in the law office of Spenlow & Jorkins and soon falls in love with Mr. Spenlow's daughter, Dora. He marries Dora, only to find that he has a "child-wife" who knows nothing of housekeeping and cannot accept any responsibility.
Meanwhile, Uriah Heep, an "umble" clerk in Mr. Wickfield's employ, whom David dislikes, tries to control Mr. Wickfield by making him drink too much wine.
David's wife, Dora, becomes ill and soon dies. Still saddened by the loss of his wife and other events, David goes abroad for three years. It is only after he returns that he realizes that Agnes has been his true love all along, and their cheerful marriage takes place at last.
