What is the name of the protagonist in Poe's story 'William Wilson'?

The protagonist of Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “William Wilson” is named William Wilson. He narrates the story himself, presenting a disturbing account of a rival who shares his name, appearance, birthday, and even many details of his manner.

The story was first published in 1839 and is often read as a psychological tale about conscience, identity, and moral self-division. The second William Wilson repeatedly interferes with the protagonist’s dishonest and destructive behavior, warning him whenever he attempts to exploit or deceive others.

Readers sometimes confuse the character with C. Auguste Dupin, Poe’s detective from stories such as “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” or with Roderick Usher from “The Fall of the House of Usher.” Those characters belong to different works. “William Wilson” is especially notable for its use of a double, or doppelgänger, as a living embodiment of the protagonist’s conscience.