Dickens, Charles: - Charles Dickens, born in 1812 in Portsmouth, England, was a pivotal figure in Victorian literature, known for his keen social commentary and memorable characters. His early life was marked by hardship when his father was imprisoned for debt, forcing young Dickens to work in a boot-blacking factory-a formative experience that would influence his later works. Rising to fame with The Pickwick Papers, Dickens became a literary sensation, using his novels to shed light on the struggles of the poor and critique societal ills.Throughout his career, Dickens published numerous novels, often serialized, which captivated readers with their cliffhangers and complex plots. Works like Hard Times and Great Expectations vividly portrayed the lives of the marginalized, drawing on Dickens's own experiences and his keen observation of London's underbelly. His ability to combine humor with biting social criticism made him a beloved and influential author of his time.In his later years, Dickens became a public figure, embarking on reading tours and continuing to write prolifically. His influence extended beyond literature; the term ""Dickensian"" became synonymous with the depiction of grim social realities. Dickens passed away in 1870, but his works remain timeless, continuing to resonate with readers and adapt into various forms of media.