# Ferideh — Saïd the Fisherman character guide

> Ferideh in Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** O Ferideh

**First appearance:** 0002-ii

## Snapshot

The mother of Saïd's son Suleyman, whose unveiled devotion and practical care keep the household running while quietly shaping her lord's loyalties and promises.

## Who they are

Ferideh moves through the house with easy authority, coaxing Saïd down from his rooftop reveries with food and the cry of his child. She alone is privy to the secret of his treasure, and she offers to keep vigil in his place, chiding his stubbornness with wifely warmth. Her hold on Saïd—and Hasneh's attack on her—sets the emotional terms of the household.

## Relationships

### [Saïd the Fisherman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/characters/said_the_fisherman)

_family_

Ferideh is Saïd's daughter, who cares for him but is caught between his world and her own ambitions.

### [Hasneh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/characters/hasneh)

_family_

Ferideh and Hasneh have a mother-daughter relationship, with Ferideh often seeking independence from her mother's traditional ways.

### [Saïd the Fisherman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/characters/said_the_fisherman)

_family_

Ferideh is Saïd's daughter, who cares for him but is caught between his world and her own ambitions.

### [Saïd the Fisherman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/characters/said_the_fisherman)

_family_

Ferideh is Saïd's daughter, who cares for him but is caught between his world and her own ambitions.

### [Hasneh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/characters/hasneh)

_family_

Ferideh and Hasneh have a mother-daughter relationship, with Ferideh often seeking independence from her mother's traditional ways.

## In the story

### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xxiii)

The Christian girl whose father is killed; she faints and is taken by Saïd to safety.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xxiv)

Is upstairs in Nûr's house, moaning and lamenting after being frightened by Saïd's violence. Nûr warns she is a 'tigress' and must be watched.

### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xxv)

Mentioned as awaiting Saïd's return, kept by Nûr.

### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xxviii)

Mentioned as the daughter of the slain Christian; Saïd plans for her to serve Hasneh.

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

Ferideh, enraged by Hasneh's accusations, attacks her rival. She is described as having steely bright eyes and a mouth of dire rage. She accuses Hasneh of being a liar and a troublemaker.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/iv)

Ferideh passionately pleads with Saïd to cast out Hasneh, fearing for her life and that of her son Suleyman, and uses her charm to influence him.

### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/v)

Saïd's wife, who warns him of the theft and is entrusted with the secret of the new hiding place, showing her influence and loyalty.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/vii)

Mentioned as a possible source of suspicion when Saïd sees a veiled woman.

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

Ferideh is devoted to Saïd, preparing meals and a special sherbet, but her loyalty is questioned when she disappears with the treasure.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xv)

Appears in Saïd's vision of the silent host.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/characters/ferideh
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/characters