Graham Greene was an English writer, playwright, and literary critic. His works explore the ambivalent moral and political issues of the modern world. Greene suffered from bipolar disorder, which had a profound effect on his writing and personal life.

He was noted for his ability to combine serious literary acclaim with widespread popularity. Although Greene objected strongly to being described as a Roman Catholic novelist rather than as a novelist who happened to be Catholic, Catholic religious themes are at the root of much of his writing, especially the four major Catholic novels: Brighton Rock, The Power and the Glory, The Heart of the Matter, and The End of the Affair.

Several works, such as The Confidential Agent, The Third Man, The Quiet American, Our Man in Havana, and The Human Factor also show an avid interest in the workings of international politics and espionage.