Aschenbach is a fictional character from the novella "Death in Venice," written by Thomas Mann. He is a successful but aging writer who becomes infatuated with a young boy named Tadzio while on vacation in Venice. Aschenbach's obsession with Tadzio symbolizes his struggle with desire and the passage of time. Throughout the story, Aschenbach grapples with his artistic ideals and personal decline. His journey reflects themes of beauty, mortality, and the conflict between intellect and emotion. Ultimately, Aschenbach's experiences in Venice lead to profound revelations about life and death.