Who is Count Oxtiern from The 120 Days of Sodom and Other Writings and what is their importance? 120_Days_of_Sodom English & Literature Count Oxtiern | The 120 Days of Sodom and Other Writings

This is the character in both the play "Oxtiern" and in the story on which the play is based, "Ernestine." Oxtiern is a wealthy young nobleman who lives a life of libertinage, using his wealth and influence to get whatever he wants. He is a liar and a criminal, and in each tale deceives Ernestine into a situation where he rapes her. Oxtiern's fate is different in each of the versions of the story. In the play, he is shot and killed by Ernestine's fiance, Herman. In the longer story, Oxtiern is sentenced to hard labor for his crimes, but is pardoned at the request of Ernestine's father. He then goes on to live a virtuous life.