Ivan Ilyich Golovin is the main character in the novella "The Death of Ivan Ilyich," written by Leo Tolstoy. He is a high-ranking judge in 19th-century Russia, living a life focused on social status and material success. His career and personal life are marked by a desire to conform to societal expectations. As the story unfolds, Ivan faces a terminal illness that forces him to confront the meaning of his life and the choices he has made. This journey leads him to question the authenticity of his relationships and the emptiness of his previous pursuits, ultimately seeking a deeper understanding of existence.