Theodore Dreiser was an American novelist and journalist born on August 27, 1871, in Terre Haute, Indiana. He is best known for his works that explore social issues and the struggles of individuals against societal constraints. His most famous novels include Sister Carrie and An American Tragedy, which highlight themes of ambition, morality, and the impact of environment on personal choices. Dreiser was a key figure in the Naturalism literary movement, which emphasized a realistic portrayal of life and human behavior. His writing style was characterized by its straightforwardness and focus on the darker aspects of human existence. Dreiser's contributions to American literature have had a lasting influence on subsequent writers and continue to be studied today.