Des Grieux is a fictional character from the novel Manon Lescaut, written by Abbé Prévost in the 18th century. He is portrayed as a young and passionate nobleman who falls deeply in love with Manon Lescaut, a beautiful and charming woman. Their tumultuous relationship is marked by themes of love, desire, and the consequences of societal expectations. Throughout the story, Des Grieux's devotion to Manon leads him to make significant sacrifices, including abandoning his family and wealth. His character embodies the struggle between personal happiness and societal norms, ultimately highlighting the tragic nature of their love story.