How does Dickens....

[Joe G]

How does Dickens make his characters so memorable and striking? Perticurlary in Great Expectations which I have just finished reading once again and i still think it's great. I believe that it was based on Dickens own harsh childhood but what do you think?

[kelby_lake]

because of the detail he pays to each character

[DapperDrake]

yep, Dickens is all about characterisation.

[PeterL]

The excess of details in his descriptions are largely to blame, not that his characters are especially well developed, but they are detailed.

[waryan]

are there other authors deserving of this reputation?

[londa]

Exageration, and repetition. Just like tap dancing.

[MissScarlett]

Dickens highlights his characters eccentricities, e.g., Miss Havisham.

His most autobiographical work is David Copperfield, I believe.