“David Copperfield” (post 4) by Charles Dickens: Idea to change protagonist’s personal name from David to Trotwood suggests Dickens’s multiple personality

When David takes refuge with his Aunt Betsey Trotwood, and his evil stepfather tries to reclaim him, his Aunt insists that she will take over guardianship. Furthermore, she agrees with the idea that David be addressed as “Trotwood Copperfield” (1, p. 225), not as a mere nickname, leaving his real name as David, but as a new personal name, to be written in indelible ink in his clothes.

I presume that the main character of David Copperfield is not going to be formally and permanently renamed, but it is peculiar that Dickens has a character even raise the possibility that David have an alternate personal name. Most persons have nicknames, but it is only persons with multiple personality who have alternate personal names (for their alternate personalities). If Dickens did not, himself, have that kind of arrangement in his own mind, he would not have had a character raise such a possibility for his protagonist.

Added June 13: It is noteworthy that the renaming of David as Trotwood is suggested by Aunt Trotwood's "mad" friend, whom she calls "Mr. Dick," a name which is a component of the author's name, Dickens.

1. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield [1850]. Revised Edition. New York, Penguin Books, 2004.