Stephen Dedalus

Stephen Dedalus is a fictional character created by James Joyce, appearing as the protagonist in his novel "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" and "Ulysses." He symbolizes the modern artist's quest for identity, independence, and intellectual freedom. Throughout the stories, Stephen struggles to reconcile his personal ideals with societal expectations, seeking to forge his own path in art, religion, and life. His character embodies themes of self-discovery, creativity, and the conflict between individual consciousness and cultural tradition.