Charles Dickens was an English novelist, journalist, short story writer, and social critic. He is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, and his works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime. By the 20th century, critics and scholars had recognized him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories are widely read today.

Born in Portsmouth, Dickens left school at age 12 to work in a boot-blacking factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. After three years, he returned to school before beginning his literary career as a journalist. Dickens edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and nonfiction articles, and lectured and performed readings extensively. He was a tireless letter writer and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.

Dickens's literary success began with the 1836 serial publication of The Pickwick Papers, which became a publishing phenomenon. Within a few years, he became an international literary celebrity, famous for his humour, satire, and keen observation of character and society. His novels, most of them published in monthly or weekly instalments, pioneered the serial publication of narrative fiction, which became the dominant Victorian mode for novel publication. His works often included cliffhanger endings, maintaining suspense and engaging readers.

His 1843 novella A Christmas Carol remains especially popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every creative medium. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted and evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1853 novel Bleak House, a satire on the judicial system, helped support a reformist movement that culminated in the 1870s legal reform in England. A Tale of Two Cities is regarded as his best-known work of historical fiction.

The term "Dickensian" is used to describe something reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social or working conditions, or comically repulsive characters.