The term "Compson" primarily refers to a fictional family from the works of American author William Faulkner. They are central characters in several of his novels, particularly in The Sound and the Fury and Absalom, Absalom!. The Compson family represents the decline of the Southern aristocracy in the early 20th century, grappling with issues of honor, loss, and social change. The family consists of several key members, including Benjy, Quentin, and Caddy Compson. Each character's struggles reflect the broader themes of time, memory, and the impact of the past on the present. The Compsons' tragic narrative illustrates the complexities of family dynamics and societal expectations in the American South.