Ashley Wilkes is a fictional character from Margaret Mitchell's novel, "Gone with the Wind," published in 1936. He is portrayed as a charming and gentle Southern gentleman, known for his strong moral values and deep sense of honor. Ashley is the object of affection for Scarlett O'Hara, the novel's protagonist, and represents the idealized Southern man of the antebellum era. In the story, Ashley struggles with the changing social landscape during the American Civil War. He is torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire for a more progressive future. His character embodies the conflict between tradition and change, making him a significant figure in the narrative.