The Obsessive Nature of Fortunato in "The Mystery of the Masque of the Red Death"

Fortunato is a character in Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Mystery of the Masque of the Red Death". He is a wealthy and eccentric nobleman who is known for his love of rare and unusual things. The story follows the protagonist, Prince Prospero, as he invites Fortunato to join him at his castle for a masquerade ball.

Fortunato is described as being "happy" and "jocose" when he first arrives at the castle, but his mood quickly changes as he becomes increasingly obsessed with finding the rare wine that he believes is being served at the ball. As the story progresses, Fortunato's obsession leads him deeper into the castle, where he eventually discovers the truth about the masque and the Red Death that is sweeping through the land.

Throughout the story, Poe uses Fortunato's character to explore themes of obsession, greed, and the dangers of seeking after forbidden knowledge. Despite his wealth and status, Fortunato is ultimately consumed by his own desires and is unable to escape the fate that awaits him.