Père Ubu is a fictional character created by French playwright Alfred Jarry in his play "Ubu Roi," first performed in 1896. The character is a grotesque and tyrannical figure, often depicted as a bumbling, absurd ruler. The play is known for its dark humor and satirical take on power and authority, challenging traditional theatrical norms. The character of Père Ubu has become a symbol of the absurd and has influenced various art forms, including theater, literature, and film. His outrageous behavior and nonsensical dialogue reflect the themes of absurdism and surrealism, making him a significant figure in modernist literature.