Charles Dickens was a renowned 19th-century English novelist and social critic, celebrated for his vivid storytelling and memorable characters. His works, such as "A Tale of Two Cities," "Oliver Twist," and "A Christmas Carol," often highlighted the social issues of his time, including poverty and class inequality. Dickens' writing combined humor, realism, and a keen sense of social justice, making him one of the most popular and influential writers of the Victorian era.