Charlie Beale is a fictional character from the novel "The Last Picture Show" by Larry McMurtry. He is portrayed as a complex individual navigating life in a small Texas town during the 1950s. His relationships and experiences reflect the challenges and changes of that era. In the story, Charlie's character is intertwined with themes of love, loss, and the search for identity. His interactions with other characters, such as Sonny Crawford and Jacy Farrow, highlight the struggles of youth and the impact of societal expectations on personal choices.