Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Character

Sherif Hussein

The Grand Sherif of Mecca whose proclamation launched the Arab revolt and whose sons carry its weight across the desert.

supporting

Also known as Hussein, King Hussein, the martyred Hussein

First appearance: Introduction: Foundations of Revolt

As a supporting figure in Seven Pillars of Wisdom, Sherif Hussein is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Leader of the Arab rebellion, whose revolt surprised the Allies.

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Hussein is the revolt's origin and its absent center: the father whose authority legitimizes Feisal, Ali, and Nasir, but whose decisions reach the front only as rumor and instruction. His lineage—descended from the Prophet's family, respected second only to the Emirs of Mecca—gives the movement its claim to speak for Arab Islam. The sons he sends into the field must translate his ambition into victories he will never witness firsthand.

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See Sherif Hussein in Introduction: Foundations of Revolt

Character Web

33 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Arab Revolt Leadership
Protagonist
British Command & Diplomacy

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the emotional and psychological peak occurs when Lawrence confronts his own fraudulent self-i…

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In the story

Sherif Hussein appears across 13 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Introduction: Foundations of Revolt
Leader of the Arab rebellion, whose revolt surprised the Allies.
IV
Mentioned as the Sherif of Mecca, whom the Turks tried to coerce into supporting the Holy War.
V
Determined to wage war against the Young Turks, sends Feisal to Damascus and Ali to Medina, trusts in God and ignores military caution.
VII
Sherif Hussein's rebellion and opening of the coast to Allied ships is noted; he is the target of French intrigue and Turkish advances.
Book I: The Discovery of Feisal
Aged Sherif of Mecca, found to be too old for effective leadership.
VIII
Grand Sherif of Mecca; initially distrustful of Lawrence's proposal but eventually consents via telephone.
IX
Arranges for the band to play via telephone; communicates with Storrs.
XIII
The father who ordered the revolt but did not fully coordinate with his sons.
XIV
Described as outwardly gentle but crafty, with deep ambition and un-Arabian foresight.
XXVIII
King Hussein refuses to accept Jaafar Pasha's services due to his narrow views and dislike of Mesopotamians and Syrians.
LVII
King Hussein meets Lawrence in Jidda; accepts Feisal's transfer to Allenby after Wilson's help.
XCVII
King Hussein avoids Lawrence's request for reinforcement, citing Ramadan and poor telephone connections.
Balancing for a Last Effort
King Hussein shows untimely pique that threatens to disrupt preparations for Deraa.

Chapter companion notes

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See Sherif Hussein in Introduction: Foundations of Revolt