Maxwell (NPC)

"Say pal, you don't look so good. You better find something to eat before night comes."

--Maxwell greeting the player before vanishing.

Maxwell appears during the beginning of the game, telling the player to start gathering food to not starve.

Origin
Maxwell has left clues and puzzles in the trailers for Don't Starve, ultimately revealing the secret video Forbidden Knowledge. In the video Maxwell appears and communicate with Wilson through a radio, offering him secret knowldge, which Wilson gladly accepts, and Maxwell began streaming huge amounts of information into his head.

So he started building mysterious machine with the knowledge given to him. When the machine was finished, Wilson was feeling doubt about pulling the start lever but Maxwell told him 'DO IT', and he pulled the switch and the machine started moving. The machine began rising and taking shape, showing a silhouette of Maxwell, Then suddenly demonic hands appeared from the floor and pulled Wilson into a mysterious wilderness world.

Following a [|Hidden Link] shown in the trailer, is a website showing Wilsons machine and if the lever on the machine is clicked, you will then be redirected to a website containing concept art with a message from Maxwell.

Maxwell's Message
"My, aren’t you clever? You found all of the clues and made your way here. I am both impressed with and repulsed by your perseverance. Or maybe someone told you how to get here. In which case, I am even more impressed! Convincing others to do all of your hard work is the mark of a true intellect.

So long as you are here, I have something to share with you. What is the point of doing anything if there is no reward attached?

What you have seen so far isn’t the first vision of torment for poor Wilson. In fact, it’s not even the first Wilson. These things are matter of trial and error, you see. Failure and repetition. Death and... well, more death. Mostly his, thankfully.

My “associates” at Klei Entertainment have been so kind as to provide us with these early visions of what they so quaintly call “Don’t Starve”. Some of these images did not suit the whims of my taste on a particular day. Others, I am holding in reserve for further adventures.

Honestly, sometimes I just make them do things to watch them scurry about. You mortals are quite entertaining!

Farewell for now, friends. I have enjoyed our little cat-and-mouse game. We shall have to do this again!

-Maxwell"

Trivia

 * Maxwells voice is sounded by an harmonium.