Leo Vincey

Ayesha

Ayesha is obsessively in love with Leo, believing him to be the reincarnation of her lost lover Kallikrates.

Ustane

Leo shares a genuine romantic bond with Ustane, who becomes his devoted lover and protector.

Job

Job is Leo's loyal and protective servant-companion, often acting as his caretaker and moral anchor.

Billali

Billali acts as a guide and intermediary for Leo, showing respect while serving Ayesha's commands.

Kallikrates

Leo is believed to be the reincarnation of Kallikrates, creating a mystical identity link between them.

Horace Holly

Horace Holly is Leo's guardian and adoptive father figure, having raised him after his father's death.

Mahomed

Mahomed serves as a guide and porter for Leo and the expedition party.

John Vincey

John Vincey is Leo's father, whose death sets the story's quest in motion.

Job

Job is Leo's loyal and protective servant-companion, often acting as his caretaker and moral anchor.

Ayesha

Ayesha is obsessively in love with Leo, believing him to be the reincarnation of her lost lover Kallikrates.

Horace Holly

Horace Holly is Leo's guardian and adoptive father figure, having raised him after his father's death.

Kallikrates

Leo is believed to be the reincarnation of Kallikrates, creating a mystical identity link between them.

She

Identified as the reincarnation of Kallikrates, the object of Ayesha's obsession.

My Visitor

Vincey's five-year-old son, whom Holly is made guardian of; the last descendant of an ancient Egyptian lineage.

The Years Roll By

The infant son of the late M. L. Vincey; grows into a strikingly handsome and brilliant young man under Holly's care.

The Sherd of Amenartas

Fascinated by the mystery, reads the letter and the sherd inscription with growing excitement.

IV: The Squall

Eager for the quest; knocked unconscious during the squall and later wakes disoriented.

The Head of the Ethiopian

Convinced the rock head matches the description in the ancient writing; shows enthusiasm and a quick temper during the hunt, but also good-natured apology.

VI: An Early Christian Ceremony

Travels in a litter; takes a cheerful view of being carried after the arduous journey.

VII: Ustane Sings

Object of Ustane's affection; speaks Arabic and is growing attached to her.

VIII: The Feast, and After!

Present at the feast; recalls the writing about pots on heads; nearly speared but shielded by Ustane.

IX: A Little Foot

Lying wounded with a spear cut in his side; tended by Ustane; recovers over three days.

X: Speculations

Struck down with a severe fever; described as having flushed face and bright eyes; Billali calls him 'the Lion'.

The Plain of Kôr

Suffers from severe fever, vomiting, and delirium; is carried in a litter and eventually falls into a stupor.

XII: "She"

Lies ill with fever, delirious and violent; Ustane holds him down.

XIII: Ayesha Unveils

Mentioned as being sick with fever and wounded; Ayesha offers to heal him if he does not recover by the next night.

XIV: A Soul in Hell

Leo is mentioned as lying ill with fever, asleep, with Ustane at his side.

XV: Ayesha Gives Judgment

Lies delirious and near death; Holly hopes Ayesha will cure him.

XVII: The Balance Turns

Lies at the point of death; Ayesha recognizes him as Kallikrates and administers a healing potion.

XVIII: “Go, Woman!”

Remains asleep during the confrontation. Upon waking, he is curious about Ayesha and troubled by Ustane's disappearance.

XIX: “Give Me a Black Goat!”

Explores the caves with great interest, attends the dance, and is approached by Ustane who urges him to flee with her.

XX: Triumph

Grieves Ustane's death but is overpowered by Ayesha's beauty and will, ultimately plighting his troth to her.

XXI: The Dead and Living Meet

Stares in stupefaction at his own dead likeness and asks to be taken away.

Job Has a Presentiment

Tells Ayesha the story of the casket and potsherd; refuses to kill Ayesha despite her offer; embraces Ayesha with fervor; accepts her plan to bathe in the fire.

The Temple of Truth

Accompanies Ayesha and the others; is startled to learn he is sitting where his past self, Kallikrates, once lay dead.

XXIV: Walking the Plank

Crosses the plank like a ropedancer; addressed as Kallikrates by Ayesha.

XXV: The Spirit of Life

Descends into the chamber with Holly and Job; listens to Ayesha's confession and declares his love and forgiveness.

XXVI: What We Saw

Witnesses Ayesha's transformation; his hair turns white and he appears twenty years older from the shock.

We Leap

Exhausted and despairing; sobs when Ayesha's cloak falls on him; insists on the leap.

Over the Mountain

Badly injured, face swollen and hair turned white; sleeps through most of the chapter.

Endnotes

Mentioned in relation to his hair regaining color and as the object of Ayesha's love.