# Emir Feisal — Seven Pillars of Wisdom character guide > Emir Feisal in Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Feisal, Sherif Feisal, the Sherif, Emir **First appearance:** 0011-book-i-the-discovery-of-feisal ## Snapshot The revolt's working enthusiast, a Sherif who wants his ancient race to win freedom with its own hands rather than on British bayonets. ## Who they are Feisal is the political and spiritual center of the Arab movement, the son of Sherif Hussein whose lieutenants—Nasir, Sharraf, Ali—execute his plans with head and heart. He carries the revolt's contradictions: a leader who needs Lawrence's synthesis but insists the Arabs justify their renown themselves, and whose patience with tribal politics is both his strength and his daily trial. Without his willingness to hold disparate sheikhs together, the campaign would scatter into unrelated incidents. ## In the story ### [Seven Pillars of Wisdom](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/seven-pillars-of-wisdom) Central figure in the chapter, depicted as a charismatic and strategic leader of the Arab Revolt. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/v) Sent to Damascus to discuss revolt, forced to live as Jemal's guest, endures insults and witnesses hangings, communicates secretly with his father, and finally raises the Arab flag. ### [Book I: The Discovery of Feisal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/book-i-the-discovery-of-feisal) Discovered as the leader with necessary fire and reason, providing a flank-threat from Jebel Subh. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xi) Mentioned as having been beaten out of Kheif and now at Hamra. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xii) The leader Lawrence sought; described as tall, slender, and tensely waiting. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xiii) Describes the revolt's beginning, the massacre at Awali, his strategic withdrawal, and his plan to threaten Medina from multiple sides. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xiv) Shows masterful tact and command of conversation, governing men unconsciously. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xv) Discusses artillery needs with Lawrence, receives promises of British aid, and commands a tribal army. ### [Book II: Opening the Arab Offensive](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/book-ii-opening-the-arab-offensive) Lawrence reaches Feisal's camp; they decide to shift focus to the railway flank and move the base to Wejh. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xvii) Has moved to Wadi Yenbo, organizing his forces and considering an expedition to take Wejh. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xviii) Commands the army at Nakhl Mubarak, calmly manages the crisis, and moves camp to restore order. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xix) Demonstrates patient command, humor, and routine leadership during morale crisis. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xx) Offers Lawrence Arab dress, leads forces in battle, retreats to Yenbo, and coordinates defense. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxi) Appeals to Murray for demonstration; considers moving to Wejh but fears for Yenbo and Rabegh; receives direct order from his father to proceed. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxii) Feisal is portrayed as a dedicated leader, planning the march to Wejh and reorganizing the army with mounted infantry and tribal forces. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxiii) Leads the Arab army; receives updates and leads a ceremonial march with his bodyguard. ### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxiv) Leads the army, writes letters to tribal leaders, and maintains morale during the march. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxv) Leads the march, forbids wild shooting, signals halts, and receives news of Eshref's capture with joy. ### [XXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxvi) Leads the army, manages tribal disputes, and maintains discipline. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxvii) Warned the townspeople of the attack and later appointed Maulud as Town-governor to stop looting. ### [Book III: A Railway Diversion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/book-iii-a-railway-diversion) Prepares his part in the planned attack on the retreating enemy. ### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxviii) Accepts Jaafar Pasha as commander-in-chief despite his father's opposition, and skillfully counters Bremond's proposal for Akaba. ### [Life in Wejh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxix) Feisal's tents are described as an opulent group; he labors day and night at politics and intervenes personally to quell a mutiny by the Ageyl. ### [The Gathering at Wejh](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxx) Swears new adherents, composes tribal feuds, and extends his authority over northern tribes from Wejh. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxxi) Agrees to sacrifice immediate Arab advantage to help Allied interests by disrupting the Turkish evacuation from Medina. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxxii) Sent Lawrence with documents regarding the situation in Medina and the need to block the railway. ### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxxiv) Mentioned as a free gas; his men are contrasted with the British army. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxxvi) Mentioned as a contrast to Abdullah, representing higher thinking and responsibility. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxxvii) Praised as the working enthusiast driving the Arab revolt. ### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxxviii) Leads the Arab forces; welcomes Auda and supports the Akaba plan. ### [Book IV: Extending to Akaba](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/book-iv-extending-to-akaba) Remains in Wejh, delegating the northern expedition to Lawrence. ### [Nebk: Strategy and Deception](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xlviii) Feisal is mentioned as still in Wejh and as the recipient of Lawrence's earlier confession about hollow promises. ### [Book V: Marking Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/book-v-marking-time) Transferred with his army to Allenby's command, marking a new phase in the Arab revolt. ### [LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lvii) Lawrence meets with Feisal at Jeida to discuss plans; Feisal writes to his father and orders his army to march on Akaba. ### [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lviii) Leader of the Arab army, whose arrival is awaited to continue the campaign. ### [LIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lix) Identified as the only independent Sunni prince capable of leading a unifying revolt in Syria. ### [LX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lx) Lands at Akaba with his staff and troops. ### [LXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxi) Sends Sherif Mastur as mediator to Guweira to resolve tribal tensions. ### [LXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxiii) Lawrence reports to him in Akaba; provides baggage camels, camel-men, slaves, and Sherif Abdulla el Feir as mediator. ### [LXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxiv) Provides baggage camels and body-slaves for the raid. ### [LXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxv) His slave Salem is given the honor of firing the mine. ### [LXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxvii) Mentioned as the host of the old Arab woman and as the destination for the Medina women prisoners. ### [LXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxviii) Discusses politics, organisation and strategy with Lawrence; provides three young Damascenes for the raid. ### [LXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxix) Arab leader whose forces and reputation would be risked by a premature Deraa operation; Lawrence advises him. ### [LXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxx) Loans Ali to Lawrence and advises using Abd el Kader despite his madness. ### [LXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxvii) His slave Hamud is mentioned as holding the exploder. ### [LXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxviii) Not directly present in this chapter; Ali ibn el Hussein is the Sherif on scene. ### [The Dogs of Harith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxix) Mentioned as the leader of the Arab cause in the north. ### [LXXX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxx) Mentioned indirectly through Lawrence's reference to the Arab Revolt; not directly present in the chapter. ### [Book VII: The Dead Sea Campaign](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/book-vii-the-dead-sea-campaign) Arab leader to whom Lawrence is sent back with renewed authority. ### [LXXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxxiv) Sent cigarettes to the Medina garrison; delegated command to Zeid. ### [LXXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxxvii) Sent ammunition and food to Tafileh to improve conditions. ### [LXXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxxviii) Lent Lawrence temporary followers Serj and Rameid. ### [LXXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/lxxxix) Zeid's men are on their way to Feisal; Feisal is the overarching leader of the Arab forces. ### [XCI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xci) Distressed by the loss of Tafileh but reconciled after Lawrence explains the strategic shift toward Maan and Amman. ### [XCII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xcii) Supports the scheme to cut the railway but faces opposition from his officers. ### [XCIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xciv) At Uheida; receives Lawrence and discusses operations, British failure at Amman, and tribal contributions. ### [XCV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xcv) Receives the news of the camels with joy, seeing it as the means to victory. ### [XCVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xcvii) Agrees to Lawrence's proposal and provides letters to his father, King Hussein. ### [XCIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xcix) Leads the council with Rualla chiefs, inspiring them with speeches on nationality and sacrifice; works with Lawrence to win over the tribes. ### [CI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/ci) Engages in correspondence with Jemal Pasha, receives Allenby's warning via Dawnay, and declares his intention to take Damascus. ### [CIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/ciii) Lawrence reflects on Feisal as a brave, weak, ignorant spirit, trying to do work for which only a genius, a prophet, or a great criminal was fitted. He serves Feisal out of pity, a motive he feels degrades them both. ### [CVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cvi) Faces humiliation from his father's proclamation, offers to resign, and later accepts a partial apology, rallying his forces for the advance on Deraa. ### [CVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cvii) Arrives at Azrak with the army, including Nuri Said and Pisani's Algerians. ### [CVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cviii) Lawrence meets with him in Azrak regarding Nuri and affairs. ### [CXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cxiii) Receives word of Allenby's victory and is counseled to launch a general revolt. ### [CXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cxiv) Lawrence flies to Azrak to see him; he decides to add Nuri Shaalan's Rualla camel men to the column. ### [CXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cxvi) Mentioned as the leader whose army is now a legendary force in the villages. ### [CXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cxxii) Arrives by special train from Deraa, meets Allenby for the first time in victory, and is recognized as army commander. ### [List of Illustrations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/list-of-illustrations) Depicted in a portrait titled 'Feysal' by John. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/characters/feisal - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/characters