# Old Mustafa — Saïd the Fisherman character guide

> Old Mustafa in Saïd the Fisherman by Marmaduke Pickthall.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mustafa, Mustafa Bek, the Bek

**First appearance:** 0001-i

## Snapshot

Saïd's adopted father, an old man slain in the confusion of the great slaughter, whose unavenged blood and forgotten son haunt Saïd's rise.

## Who they are

Old Mustafa raised Saïd as his own, and his death in the chaos of the great slaughter becomes the seed of the rumor that undoes his adopted son. The old man's memory surfaces in the streets as accusation, and the revelation that he had a son, Mansûr, turns grief into a claim for blood-money. His unseen presence shadows every honor Saïd gains.

## Relationships

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

_friendship_

Old Mustafa is a loyal friend and fellow fisherman who shares Saïd's hardships and wisdom.

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

_friendship_

Old Mustafa is a loyal friend and fellow fisherman who shares Saïd's hardships and wisdom.

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

_friendship_

Old Mustafa is a loyal friend and fellow fisherman who shares Saïd's hardships and wisdom.

## In the story

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

The old beggar who tricks a Christian missionary and later reveals his true nature to Saïd.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/ix)

The old man at the khan who remains aloof and seems to scorn Saïd's pretensions.

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xvi)

The old beggar who recognizes Saïd and offers him a chance at a prince's life and hidden treasure, arranging a meeting at Nûr's house.

### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xvii)

Reveals his hatred for Yuhanna, explains his withered hand as a beggar's trick, and shows Saïd the house of his enemy.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xviii)

Leads Saïd to Yuhanna's house, curses the family, and reveals his plot for vengeance, promising Saïd the girl and treasure.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xix)

The beggar who speaks of blood and vengeance, and later vows to kill all non-believers.

### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xx)

Rejoices in Saïd's longing, fosters it for his revenge, and incites a crowd against Christians, clashing with a lawyer.

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xxi)

The old beggar who cries out when Saïd is arrested, calling him his son, and later goes to Nûr for counsel.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xxii)

The old beggar who cries out in anguish and later leads the riot, dragging Saïd toward Yuhanna's house.

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

Leads the mob, kills Yuhanna, and reveals his plan to hide the treasure.

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

Returns to Nûr's vault in a state of madness after killing Yuhanna, chanting praises and recounting the murder. He is weakened and delirious but is roused by Saïd's call to battle.

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

Urges Saïd to join the riot and reminds him of their secret meeting.

### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xxvi)

Heard at the fountain confessing to a murder, his voice altered and exultant.

### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/sa_d_the_fisherman_se/chapters/xxvii)

Found dead in the fountain chamber; his death is a turning point, leaving his wealth to Saïd.

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

Appears in Saïd's dream, being judged for his deeds; his death and burial weigh on Saïd's conscience.

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

Appears in Saïd's feverish dream, where Saïd strangles him, causing anguish.

## Links

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