Dave Bowman is a fictional character from Arthur C. Clarke's science fiction novel, "2001: A Space Odyssey," and its subsequent adaptations. He serves as an astronaut and the mission commander of the Discovery One spacecraft, which is sent to explore Jupiter. In the story, Bowman encounters the mysterious monolith, a black structure that plays a crucial role in human evolution and intelligence. As the narrative unfolds, he undergoes a transformative experience that leads him to become the enigmatic Star Child, symbolizing a new stage of human development.