Michael Henchard is a fictional character from Thomas Hardy's novel, "The Mayor of Casterbridge." He is a grain merchant who becomes the mayor of the town of Casterbridge after making a series of poor decisions in his life. His character is marked by ambition, pride, and a struggle with his past. Henchard's story begins when he impulsively sells his wife, Susan, at a fair while drunk. This act haunts him throughout the novel, leading to his eventual downfall. His complex personality and tragic flaws make him a compelling figure in literature, illustrating themes of fate and redemption.