Jacob Marley is a fictional character from Charles Dickens' novella, A Christmas Carol. He is the deceased business partner of Ebenezer Scrooge, who appears as a ghost to warn Scrooge about the consequences of his miserly ways. Marley is bound in heavy chains, symbolizing the burdens of his greed and selfishness during his lifetime. In the story, Marley tells Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits who will help him change his ways. His character serves as a catalyst for Scrooge's transformation, emphasizing themes of redemption and the importance of compassion and generosity in life.