Well, there's George Orwell. His works such as '1984' and 'Animal Farm' are highly regarded in modern English fiction. They are not only great works of literature but also powerful commentaries on society and politics. J. K. Rowling, although her works are more in the realm of popular fiction, has had a huge impact on modern English fiction with the 'Harry Potter' series, which has attracted readers of all ages around the world.
Virginia Woolf is an important one. Her works, like 'Mrs. Dalloway', are known for their stream - of - consciousness narrative technique. Another is James Joyce, with 'Ulysses' being a landmark in modern English fiction. D. H. Lawrence also made significant contributions, often exploring themes of human relationships and sexuality in his works.
Jane Austen is an important author in the modern English novel (even though she wrote in an earlier period that influenced modern works). Her novels, like 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Sense and Sensibility', are known for their witty social commentary and well - drawn characters. Charles Dickens is also a major figure. His works, such as 'Great Expectations' and 'Oliver Twist', exposed the social ills of his time, from poverty to the flaws in the legal system. Additionally, E. M. Forster, with books like 'A Passage to India', explored cultural differences and colonial relationships in a nuanced way.
Arundhati Roy is quite well - known. Her novel 'The God of Small Things' is a masterpiece. It beautifully captures the complex family relationships and the caste - based society in Kerala. Another is Vikram Seth, whose 'A Suitable Boy' is a long and engaging story set in post - independence India, showing different social strata and their values. Salman Rushdie is also a prominent figure, known for his unique blend of magic realism and Indian cultural elements in his works.
H.G. Wells is also crucial. His 'The War of the Worlds' is a classic. It explored the idea of an alien invasion, which was a very new concept at that time. His works often had a social and political commentary within the science - fiction framework.
Jane Austen is important. Also, Charles Dickens.
Charles Dickens is one of the most famous. His works like 'Oliver Twist' and 'Great Expectations' are well - known. Jane Austen is also renowned for her novels about love and society, such as 'Pride and Prejudice'. And Thomas Hardy, with his works that often dealt with rural life and social change like 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles'.
Jane Austen is important. Her novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' are known for their portrayal of social life. Charles Dickens also played a major role. His works such as 'Oliver Twist' showed the problems of the society. Another is Virginia Woolf, who contributed to the modernist movement in the English novel.
Daniel Defoe is important. His 'Robinson Crusoe' was a milestone in the evolution. Also, Jane Austen, whose novels in the early 19th century showed a deep understanding of society and human relationships. And of course, Charles Dickens in the Victorian era with his vivid portrayals of the poor and the rich in England.
Jules Verne was an important author. His works like 'Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea' and 'Around the World in Eighty Days' were very influential. H.G. Wells was also crucial, with his books such as 'The War of the Worlds' and 'The Time Machine' being classics in the genre.
One important author is Ian McEwan. His works often explore complex human relationships and moral dilemmas. For example, in 'Atonement', he tells a story of love, guilt, and the power of storytelling itself. Another is Kazuo Ishiguro, who, though of Japanese origin, has made a significant impact on the modern British novel. His novels like 'Never Let Me Go' are known for their thought - provoking exploration of identity and the human condition. Also, Zadie Smith is a key figure. Her books, such as 'White Teeth', offer a vivid look at multicultural Britain and the interactions between different ethnic groups.
James Joyce is an important one. His works, like 'Ulysses', are highly regarded for their innovative narrative techniques. Another is Virginia Woolf. Her novels, such as 'Mrs. Dalloway', are known for exploring female consciousness. And then there's Thomas Mann. His works often deal with moral and philosophical issues in a European context.