Fatherless though he is, young David leads an idyllically happy life with his mother and his devoted nurse Peggotty. Then his mother marries Mr. Murdstone.

David's cruel stepfather, Mr. Murdstone, has sent him away to school. But after the death of his mother, David is put to work in Murdstone's wine warehouse and sent to live with the eccentric Mr. Micawber."

Alone and friendless, David has run away and cast himself on the mercy of his aunt, Betsey Trotwood, who decides to take him in. Years later, as David is about to enter the world on his own, his old friend Steerforth re-enters his life.

David has fallen head-over-heels in love with Dora, Mr. Spenlow's beautiful young daughter. But, when Mr. Spenlow discovers David's love letters to Dora, he forbids David from seeing her.

After an unexpected death, David's life seems empty and meaningless. Eventually, he returns home to the end of an old friendship and the beginning of a new life.

David Copperfield tells the story of his life that holds great happiness and terrible sorrow, starting with the circumstances of his birth.