Youth

Trollope's childhood and early years were the most difficult of his life. Unhappy and unpopular at school, his father's business ventures failing, and his mother for several years away in America, Trollope took to daydreaming, and creating stories.

Background

Many of Trollope's characters and plots are based on experience of impecunious but genteel family background.

School

Trollope's was unhappy at school. His father's failing finances, and the long absence of his mother made Trollope's school life little more than a misery.

Family troubles

With Thomas Trollope sick and unable to provide financially for his family, it was left up to Fanny to work and provide for the family.