Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was an English novelist considered one of the most important figures in world literature and the foremost chronicler of Victorian society. Coming from a humble background, he worked in a factory as a child - an experience that deeply influenced his work, which focused on exposing social injustices and poverty. Author of classics such as Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, A Christmas Carol, and Great Expectations, he combined social criticism, humor, emotion, and a profound understanding of human nature. His vivid style and talent for creating unforgettable characters made him an enduring icon of 19th-century realist fiction.