Wilkins Micawber is a fictional character in Charles Dickens's 1850 novel David Copperfield. He is traditionally identified with the optimistic belief that "something will turn up."
As illustrated in a 1912 edition of the book
As illustrated by Fred Barnard in an 1870s edition
Mr Micawber by 'Kyd' c.1890
W. C. Fields in his famous role as Mr. Micawber
David Copperfield is a novel by Charles Dickens, narrated by the eponymous David Copperfield, detailing his adventures in his journey from infancy to maturity. As such, it is typically categorized in the bildungsroman genre. It was published as a serial in 1849 and 1850 and then as a book in 1850.
Cover, first serial edition of 1849
Illustration of David falling in love with Dora Spenlow, by Frank Reynolds
David and Emily on the beach at Yarmouth, by Harold Copping.
Charles Dickens in 1850