The story opens with David's birth, which occurs shortly after the death of his father. Great Aunt Betsey arrives, eagerly anticipating a girl. Disappointed, she leaves in disgust, never to return. Young David's happy childhood includes a memorable visit to his nanny Peggotty's relatives, who live in a ship house on the coast. On his return, he finds his mother has married Mr. Murdstone, a stern disciplinarian. When David bites Murdstone during a beating, the boy is sent to a boarding school run by the severe Mr. Creakle. There, he falls under the protection of Steerforth, an older student. When David's mother dies, Murdstone sends him to work at a sweatshop in London. Again, David finds a patron - this time Mr. Micawber, a profligate family man with whom he lodges. But Micawber is sent to debtor's prison and David is left homeless. Destitute, he walks to Dover, where he has heard his Aunt Betsey lives. She offers him a nurturing home, shared with her loopy lodger, Mr. Dick.

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