Who is regarded as a major American naturalist author?

Theodore Dreiser is regarded as a major American naturalist author due to his significant contributions to the literary movement that emphasizes the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior. Naturalism is characterized by a detailed, often unflinching portrayal of life, focusing on the darker aspects of humanity and often depicting characters as products of their surroundings. Dreiser's works, such as "Sister Carrie" and "An American Tragedy," illustrate the struggles of individuals against the forces of society and nature, highlighting themes like poverty, ambition, and moral dilemmas. His realistic portrayal of life's struggles and the complexities of human motivations aligns him closely with the principles of naturalism, thereby solidifying his status as one of the key figures in this literary genre.