Arturo Cova is a fictional character from the novel "The Posthumous Memoirs of Brás Cubas," written by Brazilian author Machado de Assis. Cova is depicted as a complex individual, often reflecting on his life and the society around him. His character serves as a vehicle for exploring themes of existentialism and social critique. In the story, Cova's experiences and thoughts reveal the intricacies of human relationships and the absurdities of life. Through his narrative, Machado de Assis delves into the nature of ambition, love, and the inevitability of death, making Cova a significant figure in Brazilian literature.