Some modern writers borrow Dickens characters to write about these days. There must be 15 or so about the Artful Dodger! Maybe Wemmick will inspire one someday. This was my first Dickens read. It made me go back for more, though some get long and convoluted.
I've only read A Christmas Carol which was ok, and Tale of Two Cities (for school) which I hated. Might be the school aspect that soured me on Dickens. Great Expectations was actually quite decent and I enjoyed it.