Who is The Illustrated Man from The Illustrated Man and what is their importance?

The Illustrated Man is is employed at a carnival when he notices a sign outside an old woman's house offering exquisite tattoos. She spent an entire night, covering his body with beautiful pictures. However, at night, the pictures come alive, telling stories about the future. The Illustrated Man himself provides the framework for the stories that follow, blending them all into one tale that shows different pieces and parts of a single future.