Hello - I am a great admirerer of Charles Dickens despite his horrible attitude to his wife - for example turning on her and boarding up their bedroom after 13 children. However his great motto "make them laugh - make them cry " is a wonderful way of describing his art. Hia grotesque comic creations such as Micawber, Jerry Cruncher & Co go without saying, but I also find his descriptions of Steerforth, surely the most tender and understated way of desribing homosexuality in Victorian England. Has anybody got any other characters or passages that would help me to understand this great artist who managed to explain the human condition so humanely, whilst at the same time be so flawed himself.
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I've read all but four or five of Dicken's novels, and I can never help but be floored by his power as a writer (not to mention driven alternately to tears and laughter 
). I agree with you that David Copperfield has to be one of the best. It's been some time since I was among its pages. I remember the subtle courtship of Pegotty, and his crazy Aunt who turned out to be so caring,, and of course the usual suspects--Agnes, and the 'umble Uriah and Mr. Micawber etc. I used to think Dora was one of the most annoying character Dickens ever created, but time has softened my opinion of her, she is so truly devoted and unselfish toward him. 
Sorry, I know what you meant, but I couldn't resist. 