Captain Horatio Hornblower is a fictional character created by author C.S. Forester. He is a British naval officer during the Napoleonic Wars, known for his intelligence, resourcefulness, and leadership skills. The character first appeared in the novel "Hornblower and the Hotspur" in 1937 and has since been featured in a series of books that detail his adventures at sea. The stories follow Hornblower's rise through the ranks of the Royal Navy, showcasing his strategic prowess and moral dilemmas. The character has been adapted into various films and television series, further popularizing his exploits and the historical context of naval warfare during the early 19th century.