Written in the autumn of 1816 The Nutcracker is not only Ernst Hoffman's best-loved children's story but also an insight into his own amazing life. The literary puppeteer composer diplomat and soldier puts himself straight into the fairytale. He also based Marie and Fritz - toys who came to life on Christmas Eve - on friend's children. The character of the sinister toy maker Godpapa Drosslemeier was created in his own image.