Baron Vladimir Harkonnen is a fictional character from Frank Herbert's science fiction series, Dune. He is the primary antagonist in the story and is known for his ruthless and manipulative nature. The Baron is the head of House Harkonnen, a powerful noble family that seeks to control the desert planet of Arrakis, the only source of the valuable spice melange. Physically, the Baron is depicted as a large, grotesque figure who relies on anti-gravity devices to move due to his obesity. His character embodies themes of greed and corruption, often using fear and violence to achieve his goals. The Baron's complex relationships with other characters, including Paul Atreides, drive much of the conflict in the series.