1. The Literal: Fortunato is a wealthy wine connoisseur, known for his love of good drink and his willingness to indulge in it. This is his primary characteristic within the story, and it's what leads to his tragic downfall.
2. The Symbolic: Fortunato represents several symbolic ideas:
* Foolishness and Pride: He is easily tricked by Montresor's flattery, despite his supposed knowledge of wines. His pride in his abilities as a connoisseur makes him vulnerable to manipulation.
* The Nature of Revenge: Fortunato's downfall is a direct result of Montresor's desire for vengeance. He embodies the vulnerability and potential for destruction that exist when revenge is unchecked.
* The Inevitability of Fate: Fortunato's fate, despite his seemingly luxurious life, is ultimately sealed by his own choices and the actions of others. This suggests a sense of predestination, a theme often explored in Poe's work.
3. The Psychological: While not explicitly stated, Fortunato's character may also be interpreted through a psychological lens:
* A Victim of His Own Weakness: His addiction to wine and his desire for recognition can be viewed as weaknesses that ultimately lead to his demise.
* A Symbol of the Fragility of Human Nature: His story demonstrates how even those who seem successful and powerful can be brought down by their own flaws.
Ultimately, the definition of Fortunato is open to interpretation. The story itself leaves much to the reader's imagination, allowing for multiple layers of meaning and analysis.