Tzvetan Todorov was a Bulgarian-French philosopher, literary theorist, and historian, born on March 1, 1939. He is best known for his work in the fields of literary theory and narratology, where he explored the structures and functions of narratives. His influential book, "The Fantastic," examines the nature of the fantastic genre in literature. Todorov's ideas have significantly impacted the study of narrative structure and cultural theory. He emphasized the importance of understanding how stories shape human experience and perception. Throughout his career, he contributed to various disciplines, including philosophy, history, and cultural studies, making him a prominent figure in contemporary thought.