Marley was Ebenezer Scrooge's business partner and former friend in the story "A Christmas Carol." In the beginning of the story, Scrooge receives a visit from the ghost of Marley, who warns him of three more spirits that will visit him and show him the error of his ways. Marley is a symbol of the consequences of living a selfish and uncharitable life, and his ghost serves as a reminder to Scrooge to change his ways before it's too late.