Miss Mowcher Character Analysis in David Copperfield

Miss Mowcher is a hairdresser and a friend of James Steerforth. When David first meets her, he is put off by her loud and flighty manner. After Steerforth runs away with little Em'ly, however, Miss Mowcher visits David and explains that her earlier demeanor was just an act she puts on to secure work; because of her appearance (she is a dwarf), she would find it hard to earn a living otherwise. She also admits that Littimer tricked her into delivering a message from Steerforth to Emily, and says that she wants to make amends for the role she played in their relationship. She ultimately does so by helping to catch Littimer stealing from his most recent master.

Miss Mowcher Character Timeline in David Copperfield

The timeline below shows where the character Miss Mowcher appears in David Copperfield. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...much to David's dismay. Toward the end of the meal, Littimer announces that someone called Miss Mowcher is downstairs and would like to see Steerforth. Steerforth appears to know her and is... (full context)

Ambition, Social Mobility, and Morality Theme Icon

Miss Mowcher , who is a hairdresser, begins to gossip about a client she visited a week... (full context)

Miss Mowcher gets up on a table so she can reach Steerforth's hair, exclaiming that she will... (full context)

Miss Mowcher says she hasn't seen a single pretty woman since coming to Yarmouth, and Steerforth jokes... (full context)

Coming of Age and Personal Development Theme Icon

Miss Mowcher declares Steerforth's hair finished and asks if David would like his done as well. David... (full context)

...Barkis's death. Suddenly, he hears a knock at the door and opens it to find Miss Mowcher . Her demeanor is entirely changed from the last time David saw her, and he... (full context)

Miss Mowcher changes the subject, explaining that she got Peggotty's address from Omer and Joram, and has... (full context)

Miss Mowcher says she has to go and asks David whether he trusts her. David hesitates until... (full context)

...case because a "little woman" turned Littimer in. David guesses that he is talking about Miss Mowcher , and the magistrate confirms that she recognized Littimer while he was trying to escape... (full context)