Charles Dickens was an English writer and social critic who lived from 1812 to 1870. He is considered one of the greatest novelists in the English language, known for his realistic portrayal of Victorian society and memorable characters. His works, including "Oliver Twist," "David Copperfield," and "A Tale of Two Cities," have had a lasting impact on literature and continue to be widely read and studied. Dickens was also an advocate for social reform, using his writing to shed light on issues such as poverty and child labor.