Major figures:
* Émile Zola (1840-1902): A French novelist considered the "father of naturalism," he is known for his gritty portrayals of social ills and his belief in scientific objectivity in literature. His most famous work is *Germinal* (1885), which depicts the harsh lives of coal miners.
* Stephen Crane (1871-1900): An American novelist and short story writer known for his vivid and often brutal depictions of war and poverty. His most famous works are *The Red Badge of Courage* (1895), about a young soldier's experiences in the Civil War, and *Maggie: A Girl of the Streets* (1893), a tragic tale of a young woman's descent into prostitution.
* Theodore Dreiser (1871-1945): An American novelist known for his frank and unvarnished depictions of American life, often focusing on the struggles of the working class. His most famous works include *Sister Carrie* (1900) and *An American Tragedy* (1925).
* Jack London (1876-1916): An American novelist and short story writer known for his adventurous tales set in the Alaskan wilderness and his exploration of themes of survival and the human condition. His most famous works include *The Call of the Wild* (1903) and *White Fang* (1906).
* Frank Norris (1870-1902): An American novelist known for his powerful and often controversial depictions of social injustice and greed. His most famous works include *The Octopus* (1901) and *The Pit* (1903), both of which explore the corrupting influence of capitalism.
* George Gissing (1857-1903): An English novelist known for his bleak and realistic portrayals of poverty and social alienation. His most famous works include *New Grub Street* (1891) and *The Nether World* (1889).
* Émile Gaboriau (1832-1873): A French novelist considered a pioneer of the detective novel, whose works often explored the dark side of society. He is best known for his series of novels featuring the detective Monsieur Lecoq.
Other significant figures:
* Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893): A French short story writer and novelist known for his cynical and realistic portrayals of human nature.
* Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910): A Russian novelist, short story writer, and philosopher known for his realistic depictions of peasant life and his exploration of moral and spiritual themes.
* Henry James (1843-1916): An American novelist and short story writer known for his complex psychological portraits and his exploration of the relationship between art and life.
* Anton Chekhov (1860-1904): A Russian playwright and short story writer known for his realistic and often tragic portrayals of ordinary people.
* Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906): A Norwegian playwright known for his realistic and often controversial dramas that dealt with social issues and personal conflicts.
It's important to note that there is no single "Naturalist Manifesto." These writers shared certain ideas about the need for realism, scientific objectivity, and a focus on social problems, but they developed these themes in their own unique ways.
