What writer had the greatest impact on the young Hector Berlioz?

The writer who had the greatest impact on the young Hector Berlioz was the English poet Lord Byron. Berlioz was deeply inspired by Byron's dramatic themes and romantic ideals, which resonated with his own artistic aspirations. This influence is particularly evident in Berlioz's early works, where he sought to capture the emotional depth and intensity found in Byron's poetry. Byron's exploration of passion and individuality helped shape Berlioz's distinctive compositional style.