Which author is credited with originating the Bildungsroman genre?

The author credited with originating the Bildungsroman genre is Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. This genre focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood, often detailing their journey toward self-discovery and personal maturation. Goethe's novel "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship," published in the late 18th century, is considered one of the first to exemplify this form. In this work, the protagonist undergoes various experiences and encounters that shape his identity and aspirations, encapsulating the key themes of self-discovery and personal development that characterize Bildungsroman novels.

While other authors like Charles Dickens, Leo Tolstoy, and Mark Twain have made significant contributions to literature and can be associated with narratives about personal growth, they did not originate the Bildungsroman genre. Their works often explore complex social issues and character developments, but it is Goethe's foundational text that established the framework for this literary category.