The story traces the life of David Copperfield from childhood to maturity. David was born in Blunderstone, England, in 1820, six months after the death of his father. He spends his early years with his mother and their housekeeper, Peggotty. When he is seven years old his mother marries Edward Murdstone. He is given good reason to dislike his stepfather and has similar feelings for Murdstone's sister Jane, who moves into the house soon afterwards. Murdstone attempts to thrash David for falling behind in his studies. David bites him and soon afterwards is sent away to a boarding school, Salem House, with a ruthless headmaster. He returns home for the holidays to learn that his mother has given birth to a baby boy. Shortly after he returns to Salem House, his mother and her baby die, and he returns home immediately. No one remains to care for David in London, so he decides to run away...