Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was a prolific Victorian-era novelist and social critic. Born in Portsmouth, England, Dickens grew up in poverty and had a difficult childhood, which greatly influenced his later works. His experiences working in a factory and as a law clerk informed his understanding of the social and economic inequalities of his time.

Dickens' novels often depicted the struggles of the poor and working class, critiqued the shortcomings of the legal and social systems, and advocated for social reform. He used his writing to draw attention to the harsh conditions of the time, including child labor, debtor's prisons, and the inadequacies of the educational system.