David Copperfield

In a drama set in Europe, David Copperfield writes and narrates the story of his life. David is born to a weak but loving mother, Clara, soon after his father dies. When David is nine-years-old, his mother remarries a cruel man named Murdstone, who believes in extreme discipline.

Murdstone sends David away to school, but shortly after, David is summoned home for his mother's funeral. David learns from the nanny, Peggotty, that it was Murdstone's meanness that sent his mother to an early grave. Murdstone again sends David away, this time to do menial labor for London wine merchants. David is miserable working for his boss, Quinion, but enjoys staying with the Micawber family.

David eventually leaves London, traveling to Dover to see his Aunt Betsey. When Murdstone and his evil sister, Jane, arrive at Betsey's house, Betsey takes an instant disliking to them and decides to keep David in her care. She sends David to a good school and arranges for him to lodge with her lawyer, Wickfield. David and Wickfield's daughter, Agnes, become friends.

While studying law at Spenlow & Jorkins, David meets and falls in love with Spenlow's daughter, Dora. David is surprised to find out that Dora is friends with Jane Murdstone. He and Jane decide to put their past behind them, for the sake of both their relationships with Dora.

At a party, David renews his friendship with Agnes and she tells him that her father's assistant, Heep, has been taking advantage of him. David is upset, but becomes furious when Heep confesses that he loves and wants to marry Agnes.

Jane's promise to David is short-lived when she betrays his trust by presenting to Spenlow the love letters that his daughter and David have been writing to each other. Spenlow doesn't think David is a suitable husband for Dora because he is not yet making money at the law firm. However, when Spenlow dies, David marries Dora. He then makes money from publishing a book of short stories and performing public readings.

Meanwhile, Mr. Micawber finds evidence that Heep has stolen diamonds from one of Wickfield's clients. David travels to Canterbury and is present when the police arrest Heep and recover stolen money, some of which belongs to his Aunt Betsey. When David returns home, he discovers that Dora is very ill and confined to bed. Shortly after, she dies.

After three years of wandering through Europe, focusing on his writing, David runs into Murdstone in Switzerland. He takes the opportunity to come to terms with his past by proclaiming to everyone that Murdstone is a cruel man and a fortune-hunter. Now ready to move forward with his life, David and Agnes reunite, ultimately confessing their love for each other.