Julien Sorel is the main character in the novel "The Red and the Black" by Stendhal. He is a young man from a modest background who aspires to rise in social status during the post-Napoleonic era in France. Julien is ambitious, intelligent, and often struggles with his emotions and moral dilemmas as he navigates the complexities of society. Throughout the story, Julien's relationships with women, particularly Madame de Rênal and Mathilde de la Mole, play a significant role in his development. His journey reflects themes of ambition, class struggle, and the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations.