Who is Don Quixote? Describe his life and interests.

Alonso Quixana is an elderly gentleman who has read too many books of chivalry. He decides that he will become a knight-errant and enjoy his own adventures, winning fame and honor. His first sally into the world is aborted quickly. On the way home, intending to get money and clean shirts, Quixote is attacked and left for dead. A peasant sees Quixote and brings him home. The best efforts of Quixote's niece, housekeeper and friends (the barber and the priest) are to no avail. Quixote leaves for a second adventure, this time bringing a squire with him, a commoner named Sancho Panza.

Quixote's delusions get him into serious trouble with the law and the church. He baffles strangers with his ability to alternate between states of lucid sanity and its exact opposite.