David Copperfield is the semi-autobiographical life of author Charles Dickens.  Born into the world without a father, David struggles to make his way in life with an ill mother, an abusive step-father, and a laundry list of unexpected hardships.  From starting his education at an abusive, run-down boarding school, to losing his mother and working in his cruel step-father's wine bottling plant, David perserveres, always fighting to return to the social class he was born into.  As the novel continues onward, we see David go from a naive young boy to a creative young man, and eventually a mature gentleman.  Throughout the novel he meets good friends like the Peggotys, outlandish characters like the Micawbres, and faces rivals like the infamous Uriah Heep.  Even through all this, David gets himself through school and becomes a Proctor for Mr. Spenlow, where he meets his first wife, Dora.  After the death of his wife, David takes a trip to discover himself, and then settles down with the love of his wife, Agnes.  With his life in place, and the hardship behind him, David becomes a successful writer, and he and his wife Agnes settle down with their children and live a happy, content life.