Robinson Crusoe is the narrator, telling the story of how he ended up alone on an island.

The book is written like an autobiography for Robinson Crusoe's travels and experiences.

He was born in York in 1632, and his father was from Bremen, Germany.

I was called Robinson Kreutznaer; but, by the usual corruption of words in England, we are now called - nay we call ourselves and write our name - Crusoe; and so my companions always called me. (ch 1)

Since his father does not want him to become a sailor, he decides to go off on his own.  Unfortunately, he gets shipwrecked and ends up marooned on an island, where he has to fend for himself until he finds Friday, his trusty servant and companion.