Part 1: Childhood
* Chapter 1: I am Born: David Copperfield is born into a poor family in Blunderstone, Suffolk. He is named after his father, who dies shortly after his birth.
* Chapter 2: I Observe: David recounts his early childhood and his close relationship with his nurse, Peggotty, and his loving mother.
* Chapter 3: I Have a Change: David's mother marries Mr. Murdstone, a stern and cruel man who abuses David and forces him to work in his London warehouse.
* Chapter 4: My First Impressions: David's mother dies after giving birth to a son, and Mr. Murdstone sends David away to boarding school, Salem House.
* Chapter 5: I Am Sent Away from Home: David is tormented by his classmates and suffers through harsh conditions at Salem House.
* Chapter 6: I Enlarge My Circle of Acquaintance: David makes friends with his schoolmate, James Steerforth, who becomes a significant figure in his life.
* Chapter 7: My Mother's Marriage: David learns about his mother's second marriage and feels a deep sense of loss.
* Chapter 8: I Make Another Acquaintance: David encounters Mr. Micawber, a charming but perpetually in debt man who becomes a recurring character in the novel.
* Chapter 9: I Fall into Disgrace: David accidentally ruins a document belonging to Mr. Murdstone and is punished severely.
* Chapter 10: My Aunt: David's aunt, Miss Betsey Trotwood, arrives and takes him to Dover, where she gives him a home and a chance to escape from his misery.
Part 2: Early Manhood
* Chapter 11: I Begin My Career: David starts his career as a clerk for a London law firm. He encounters the eccentric Mr. Wickfield, a lawyer, and his beautiful daughter, Agnes.
* Chapter 12: I Preserve My Opinions: David and Steerforth visit Mr. Micawber, who is struggling to manage his family in dire straits.
* Chapter 13: I Take a Wife: David falls in love with Dora Spenlow, a beautiful and frivolous girl, and marries her.
* Chapter 14: My Wife: David learns about the realities of marriage and struggles to adjust to life with Dora.
* Chapter 15: I Am Informed of My Guardian's Death: David receives news of Mr. Wickfield's financial ruin and discovers that he has been misled by Uriah Heep, a conniving employee.
* Chapter 16: I Become Involved in a Mystery: David becomes entangled in the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Steerforth's friend, Emily.
* Chapter 17: I Make a Discovery: David learns that Steerforth has been secretly involved with Emily, and her disappearance leads to tragedy.
* Chapter 18: A Domestic Secret: David's relationship with Dora deteriorates as she becomes increasingly ill.
* Chapter 19: An Old Acquaintance: David meets Mr. Micawber again, who has found a new life in Australia.
* Chapter 20: I Am Involved in a Lawsuit: David faces a lawsuit brought against him by Uriah Heep, who accuses him of stealing his money.
Part 3: Later Life
* Chapter 21: I Am Made a Man of Business: David manages to escape from the clutches of Uriah Heep and rebuilds his life.
* Chapter 22: My Aunt Makes a Will: David's aunt, Miss Betsey, makes a will, leaving him a significant inheritance.
* Chapter 23: I Become a Man of Property: David inherits a large estate and experiences the joys and challenges of wealth.
* Chapter 24: My Property: David's marriage to Dora ends tragically when she dies.
* Chapter 25: I Am a Man of Action: David mourns Dora's death and begins to see Agnes in a new light.
* Chapter 26: I Am Alone Again: David experiences a period of loneliness and reflection after Dora's death.
* Chapter 27: I Fall into the Beryl's Grip: David encounters the mysterious and dangerous Mr. Beryl, who is connected to a dark past.
* Chapter 28: A New Chapter in My Life: David finds solace and renewed purpose in his love for Agnes.
* Chapter 29: I Have a New Career: David takes on the responsibility of caring for Agnes's younger brother.
* Chapter 30: I Look Back Upon My Life: David reflects on his life's journey and the people who have influenced him.
* Chapter 31: A Last Chapter: David and Agnes finally marry, finding happiness and fulfillment together.
Epilogue
* David concludes his story with a sense of contentment and gratitude for the lessons he has learned. He emphasizes the importance of hope, love, and resilience in facing life's challenges.
This summary provides a basic overview of the major events and characters in *David Copperfield*. It's important to remember that the novel is rich in detail and character development, and this summary only scratches the surface of the full experience. It's highly recommended to read the novel itself to truly appreciate the complexity and beauty of Charles Dickens's masterpiece.