The story traces the life of David Copperfield from childhood to maturity. David Copperfield looks back on the first twenty-five years of his life. He is only eight years old when his mother, a young pretty widow, remarries. Unfortunately Mr Murdstone is not a good husband or father. David is sent away to school and only returns home when tragedy strikes. Unloved and unwanted, he is sent to work in a factory. But David is a resourceful boy and determines to find a better life for himself.

Príbeh sleduje život Davida Copperfielda od detstva až do dospelosti. David Copperfield sa obzerá za prvými 25 rokmi svojho života. Mal iba osem, keď sa jeho matka, pekná mladá vdova, opäť vydala. Nanešťastie, pán Murdstone nie je dobrým manželom a otcom. Posiela Davida na štúdium a ten sa domov vracia, až keď sa stane tragédia. Už nie je ani milovaný, ani ho nechcú, preto ho pošlú do továrne. David je ale vynaliezavý chlapec a rozhodne sa nájsť si lepší život.