George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, a prominent English novelist and poet of the 19th century. She is best known for her insightful and realistic portrayals of rural life and complex characters in works such as Middlemarch and Silas Marner. Eliot's writing often explored themes of morality, social change, and the human condition. Eliot was a pioneering figure in literature, breaking away from traditional gender roles by publishing under a male pseudonym. Her works have had a lasting impact on literature and continue to be studied for their depth and psychological insight, making her one of the most significant authors of her time.