Theodor Fontane was a German novelist and poet, born on December 30, 1819, in Neuruppin, Germany. He is best known for his realistic portrayals of 19th-century German society and is often associated with the literary movement known as Realism. His most famous works include the novels Effi Briest and Der Stechlin, which explore themes of love, social norms, and individual struggles. Fontane's writing style is characterized by its detailed character development and keen observations of everyday life. He began his career as a journalist and later transitioned to fiction, gaining recognition for his contributions to German literature. He passed away on September 20, 1898, leaving a lasting legacy in the literary world.