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Daniel Defoe – Merchant, Writer, Convict, Spy is a riveting biographical drama by Philip Palmer, directed by Sasha Yevtushenko, that explores the tumultuous life of the renowned 18th-century English writer Daniel Defoe. The story unfolds in the backdrop of early 18th-century England, capturing Defoe's transition from a merchant and political activist to a spy and incarcerated author. Daniel Defoe, portrayed by Ben Miles, is depicted as a versatile individual constantly embroiled in conflicts, whether with political authorities or while navigating his economic endeavors. Throughout the narrative, Defoe writes his way out of dire situations, including his time in Newgate Prison. Jessica Hynes features as the woman who inspired the character Roxana, another complex figure in Defoe's literary creations. Defoe faces numerous adversities, from imprisonment due to his politically charged writings to a life on the run from creditors. Key events from his life include witnessing the Great Storm of 1703, which becomes the subject of his work The Storm, and his covert operations to advance the Act of Union of 1707 as a government spy. This engrossing drama presents Defoe's relentless pursuit of survival and literary fame amidst a backdrop of political intrigue and personal hardship, capturing his eventual recognition as one of the pioneering figures of the English novel.