Charles Strickland is a fictional character from the novel "The Moon and Sixpence" by W. Somerset Maugham. He is portrayed as a successful stockbroker who abandons his conventional life to pursue his passion for painting. Strickland's journey reflects themes of artistic obsession and the struggle for self-identity. Strickland's character is inspired by the real-life artist Paul Gauguin, who also left a stable life to create art in Tahiti. Throughout the story, Strickland's relentless pursuit of his artistic vision leads to both personal and social conflicts, highlighting the sacrifices made by those who seek to follow their true calling.