# Syed Abdulla — Almayer’s Folly character guide

> Syed Abdulla in Almayer’s Folly by Joseph Conrad.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Abdulla

**First appearance:** 0005-ii

## Snapshot

A wealthy Arab trader whose calm, cutting courtesy masks a patient rivalry with Almayer for the soul and commerce of Sambir.

## Who they are

Abdulla commands the Arab trading faction in Sambir, the rival power to Almayer's decaying white-man's compound, and his name is the first weapon Almayer reaches for when warning off strangers. His quiet dignity and long memory make him a slow, implacable counterweight to Almayer's bluster, and he is not above using a slave girl's cakes and eyes as currency. His rivalry sets the commercial and racial stakes of the settlement long before any single deal is struck.

## In the story

### [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/ii)

Abdulla is the wealthy Arab trader who leads the opposition to Almayer, controls the river trade, and uses his influence with the Dutch.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/iii)

Arranges a formal visit to propose marriage between his nephew Reshid and Nina, but is refused by Almayer.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/viii)

The Arab trader who discusses the news of Dain's death with Reshid, showing resignation.

### [The Parting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/chapters/x)

His slaves are feared as potential spies in the night.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters/abdulla
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/almayer_s_folly_se/characters