Theodore Herman Albert Dreiser was an American novelist and journalist of the naturalist school. Born on August 27, 1871, and passing on December 28, 1945, Dreiser is well-known for his novels that often featured main characters who succeeded despite lacking a firm moral code. His literary works closely resemble studies of nature rather than tales of choice and agency.

Dreiser's most famous novels are Sister Carrie (1900) and An American Tragedy (1925). These works are exemplary of his naturalistic style and have left a lasting impact on American literature.