David Copperfield is born at the Rookery, his family's home in Blunderstone, Suffolk. His father has died before he was born, and his mother, Clara, is left to raise him. Clara's maid, Peggotty, is a loving and nurturing figure in David's early years. David's childhood is marked by happiness until his mother remarries.Clara marries Mr. Edward Murdstone, a stern and abusive man who, along with his sister, Miss Murdstone, mistreats David. When David's mother dies shortly after giving birth to a baby brother, David is sent away to live with his cruel stepfather and his sister.