Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Character

Sherif Zeid

Hussein's younger son, a cautious commander whose hesitation at Tafileh forces Lawrence to seize the initiative on the ridge himself.

supporting

Also known as Zeid, Emir Zeid, young Zeid

First appearance: xii

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

Ali's young half-brother; present at Lawrence's departure, described as shy and calm.

In the storyDeparture from RabeghOpen this moment free

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Zeid is the youngest of the Sherifian brothers in the field, a commander whose instinct is to wait for confirmation before moving his men. At Tafileh, Lawrence wants him forward at once, but Zeid insists on exact word from Abdulla; Lawrence, exasperated, rides off to the front alone and plants Zeid's Ageyl on the skyline as a makeshift reserve. His caution is not cowardice but a different theory of command, and his presence shows how much of the revolt's success depended on Lawrence's willingness to act without permission.

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See Sherif Zeid in xii

Character Web

32 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Diverse Support Figures
Protagonist
Arab Revolt Leadership

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

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 Zeid appears across 20 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book I: The Discovery of Feisal
Found to be too cool.
Departure from Rabegh
Ali's young half-brother; present at Lawrence's departure, described as shy and calm.
XIII
Half-brother of Ali, called from Jidda with reinforcements to Rabegh.
XVII
Feisal's young half-brother, moving up from Rabegh to Wadi Safra as a nominal subordinate of Sherif Ali.
XVIII
Nearly captured by Turks at Bir Said but escapes with help from Sherif Abdulla ibn Thawab.
XIX
Mentioned in Mirzuk's story of the rout.
XX
Leads a beaten force into Yenbo, remains indifferent, and jokes about the town's condition.
XXI
Sent to Masahali and then to occupy Bir Said; defeated earlier, receives reinforcements from Ali.
XXII
Zeid agrees to go to Rabegh to organize pinprick attacks in the Turks' rear.
XXIII
Embarks on the Dufferin; Lawrence rushes to manage his departure.
Book VII: The Dead Sea Campaign
Lawrence's commander in the field; their misunderstanding contributes to the campaign's collapse.
LXXXIV
Feisal's half-brother, delegated to command the push toward the Dead Sea; arrived at Tafileh to restore order.
LXXXV
Initially detached and nonchalant, he consults with Lawrence and agrees to the aggressive plan; described as a cool and gallant fighter.
LXXXVI
Arrives with reinforcements and observes the battle's progress.
LXXXVII
In daily touch with tribes near Kerak, who plan to join him when he moves forward.
LXXXIX
Lawrence delivers letters and money to Zeid at Tafileh; Zeid's men are encountered at Rasheidiya.
XC
Lawrence's younger brother, who spent the gold meant for the offensive on local tribes for a defensive purpose, ruining Lawrence's plans. He is described as too young and shy to counter his dishonest counsellors.
XCI
Left in charge at Tafileh; Lawrence warns him of the coming Turkish retaking of the town.
XCII
Accompanies Lawrence to Shobek.
CVI
Appointed by Hussein to succeed Feisal but promptly refuses the command.

Chapter companion notes

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See Sherif Zeid in xii

See Sherif Zeid in Departure from Rabegh