I. O. Snopes is a fictional character created by author William Faulkner. He appears in several of Faulkner's works, primarily representing the decline of the Southern aristocracy. Snopes embodies themes of greed, ambition, and moral decay, often serving as an antagonist in the stories. The character is part of the Snopes Trilogy, which includes the novels The Hamlet, The Town, and The Mansion. Through I. O. Snopes, Faulkner explores the complexities of social change in the American South during the early 20th century, highlighting the tensions between old and new values.