David Copperfield's father dies before his birth, and David grows up without the benefit of a father figure. David finds support in his mother and their housekeeper, Peggotty.
David's mother, however, feels the need to have a husband and then marries Mr. Murdstone, a stern and insensitive man, and also welcomes into their home the sister of Mr. Murdstone. The sister, David's step-aunt, proves even more insensitive than her brother. Both seek to remove David from his family send him to boarding school. There, David gets to know Steerforth, a fellow student who will become his greatest friend and companion, as well as the stern headmaster, Creakle.