Tancredi Falconeri is a fictional character from the novel "The Leopard" written by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. He is the nephew of the protagonist, Prince Fabrizio Salina, and represents the younger generation of Sicilian aristocracy during the time of the Italian unification in the 19th century. Tancredi is characterized by his charm and ambition, often navigating the changing political landscape with a pragmatic approach. His famous quote, "If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change," reflects his understanding of the need for adaptation in a rapidly evolving society.