When Charles was a boy, he made up his own adventures. But after a twist of fate saw his father go to prison for debt, Charles ended up working in a factory with other children. He worked his way out, trying his hand in a law firm, and then as an actor, before becoming a reporter and gifted storyteller. Charles became one of the most beloved novelists of all time, aware of the power of a tale and of the need to give poor children a voice.