While Dickens denied any direct connection, many scholars and biographers point to similarities between Scrooge and a real-life businessman named John Elwes.
* Both were known for their stinginess and obsession with money.
* Both were isolated and unloved by society.
* Both experienced a profound transformation after encountering spirits.
However, it's important to note that the inspiration for Scrooge likely came from a combination of individuals and Dickens' own observations of London's social landscape.
Other characters in literature who might be inspired by Dickens include:
* The narrator in William Makepeace Thackeray's *The History of Pendennis* (1848-50), which some believe is a satirical take on Dickens' writing style and personality.
* The character of Mr. Biedermann in Bertolt Brecht's play *The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui* (1941), which is seen by some as an allegory for Hitler and potentially inspired by Dickens' portrayals of villainous characters.
It's worth noting that Dickens himself enjoyed creating characters who were based on or inspired by real people, and he often drew from his own experiences and observations.