Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish sailor, was shipwrecked and left on a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean in 1704. A crew member of the privateer ship Cinque Ports, Selkirk found himself abandoned on Más a Tierra, where he spent a harrowing four years struggling to survive. During his time on the island, he relied on his skills as a seaman and resourcefulness, living off goats and wild food. He constructed a shelter and maintained his sanity despite the isolation. The island's solitude became a reflection of his inner struggles and resilience. In 1709, Selkirk's luck changed when he was rescued by the privateer ship Duke, captained by Woodes Rogers, who had heard rumors of the castaway's existence while seeking to re-establish trade routes. Selkirk’s return to civilization sparked curiosity about his incredible journey and life on the island.

Selkirk's narrative, filled with hardship and adventure, drew attention for its themes of survival, solitude, and self-discovery, ultimately becoming a source of inspiration for Daniel Defoe. Defoe incorporated elements of Selkirk's experiences into the character of Robinson Crusoe, solidifying the connection between the real-life castaway and literature. Selkirk's story opened up discussions of morality, faith, and the human condition as reflected through isolation and hardship. His interactions with the environment and grappling with loneliness became defining features in the fictional portrayal of Crusoe's adventures.