1. Early Life: Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England. His full name was Charles John Huffam Dickens.
2. Writing Prodigy: Dickens began writing at a young age. He even sold some of his stories and sketches while he was still a teenager.
3. Struggles and Success: Dickens faced financial difficulties during his early life, as his father was imprisoned for debt. However, he eventually found success as a writer.
4. Serial Publications: Dickens's novels were initially published in monthly or weekly installments, creating anticipation among his readers.
5. Social Commentary: Dickens's works often addressed social issues and injustices of the Victorian era, such as poverty, child labor, and the plight of the working class.
6. The Pickwick Papers: Dickens's first major success came with the publication of "The Pickwick Papers" (1836-1837), a humorous and episodic novel.
7. Iconic Characters: Dickens created memorable characters like Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Tiny Tim, and Ebenezer Scrooge, who continue to be beloved today.
8. Public Speaking: Dickens was also a gifted public speaker and orator. He often gave readings from his works and was an advocate for social reform.
9. Literary Influence: Dickens's style of storytelling, with its vivid descriptions and larger-than-life characters, influenced many later writers.
10. Travels: Dickens traveled extensively throughout his life, including visits to the United States, where he gave readings and met with great acclaim.
11. Legacy: Dickens's works have had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture. He is considered one of the greatest novelists in the English language.
12. Death: Charles Dickens died on June 9, 1870, at Gad's Hill Place in Kent, England, at the age of 58. He was buried in Westminster Abbey's Poets' Corner.