Matthew Poncelet is a fictional character from the film Dead Man Walking, which was released in 1995. He is portrayed as a death row inmate who is convicted of murder and is facing execution. The story explores his relationship with a nun named Sister Helen Prejean, who becomes his spiritual advisor and seeks to understand his life and actions. Throughout the film, Poncelet grapples with themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of his choices. His character serves as a vehicle for discussions about the death penalty and the moral complexities surrounding it, highlighting the emotional struggles of both the condemned and those who seek to help them.