Basil Fawlty is the main character in the British sitcom Fawlty Towers, played by John Cleese. He is the proprietor of Fawlty Towers, a small, struggling hotel in Torquay, England. Basil is a highly strung, anxious, and often rude man who is constantly trying to improve the status of his hotel and elevate himself socially. However, his efforts are often met with comical disasters, as he frequently gets into arguments with his guests and staff, and his schemes to make money or impress people usually backfire spectacularly.
Basil is a deeply flawed character, but he is also surprisingly relatable in his anxieties and insecurities. He is a man who is desperate for approval and recognition, but his own behavior often sabotages his chances of achieving it. Despite his flaws, Basil is also capable of moments of kindness and generosity, and he is ultimately a sympathetic figure.
Fawlty Towers was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered one of the greatest British sitcoms of all time. Basil Fawlty is one of the most iconic characters in British television history, and his catchphrases, such as “Don’t mention the war!” and “I’m not getting anywhere!”, are still widely quoted today.