Dorothy Porter was an Australian poet and novelist, born on January 24, 1954, in Sydney. She is best known for her unique style of writing, which often blends poetry with narrative forms. Her notable works include the verse novel The Monkey's Mask, which gained critical acclaim and was adapted into a film in 2000. Porter was recognized for her contributions to literature, receiving several awards throughout her career, including the Aurealis Award and the Age Book of the Year. She was also a prominent figure in the Australian literary scene until her passing on December 10, 2008.