Who was Charley?
Charley was a character in the story "The Third Level" from the book "Vistas" by Class 12 NCERT. He was a friend of the narrator who had discovered the existence of a mysterious third level at the Grand Central Station in New York.

Where did he live?
Charley lived in Galesburg, Illinois, a small town with a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere. He was a typical middle-class American who worked as an insurance agent.

The story revolves around Charley's discovery of a time warp that allowed him to travel back to the year 1894 through the third level at the Grand Central Station. The narrator, who initially dismisses Charley's claims as a figment of his imagination, eventually becomes intrigued and attempts to find the third level himself.

The narrative blurs the lines between reality and fantasy as the protagonist experiences a sense of displacement and confusion. The story raises questions about the nature of reality, perception, and the boundaries of time and space.

Charley's character symbolizes the desire to escape the pressures of modern life and find solace in a simpler, more innocent past. The story highlights the theme of nostalgia and the longing for a time when life seemed less complicated and more meaningful.

Overall, Charley's character and his discovery of the third level serve as a metaphor for the human desire to escape the present and seek refuge in the past, even if it is just an illusion.