The Book of Khalid · Characters
Character guide
Key figures in The Book of Khalid by Ameen Rihani.
Skim names here — open a free preview to see character cards and Character Web beside the page as you read.
Khalid
major
Also known as Abu Khalid, Khalid the Baalbekian, Hamlet
A restless Baalbek dreamer who peddles books in New York and later retreats to the ruins of his homeland, chasing an idea too large for any single faith or flag.
Shakib
major
Also known as O Shakib, My loving Brother Shakib
Khalid's steadfast friend and fellow émigré, a poet who stays behind in New York to chronicle the wanderer's feverish life in his Histoire Intime.
Najma
major
Also known as Poor Najma, Abu Najma
Khalid's cousin and beloved, a devout young woman whose loyalty to the Church collides with her love for a man the Jesuits have marked.
Mrs. Gotfry
supporting
Also known as The astute Mrs. Gotfry, the good Mrs. Gotfry
A shrewd, warm-hearted New York employer and Bahaist who sees in Khalid a potential apostle, and quietly steers his restless genius toward her cause.
Im Hanna
supporting
Also known as Hanna, Dear old Im Hanna
An elderly Syrian woman in New York whose motherly presence keeps the young immigrants tethered to the old country's warmth and grief.
Najib
minor
Also known as Little Najib
A young boy in the immigrant community, possibly a relative or neighbor of Khalid.
Sheikh Taleb
minor
Also known as The Sheikh
A religious leader in the Syrian community in New York who interacts with Khalid.
Prophet Jeremiah
minor
Also known as Jeremiah, Jerry, old Jerry
A biblical prophet referenced as a figure of lamentation and prophecy, appearing in Khalid's thoughts.
Father Farouche
minor
Also known as Farouche
A Catholic priest in New York who interacts with Khalid and the immigrant community.
Monsieur Pascal
minor
Also known as Pascal
A Frenchman in New York, possibly a shopkeeper or acquaintance of Khalid.
Ahmed Bey
minor
Also known as Whereupon Ahmed Bey
A Turkish official or notable mentioned in the narrative.
Father Abd'ul Messiah
minor
Also known as Abd'ul Messiah
A priest or religious figure in the Syrian Christian community.
Boss O'Graft
minor
Also known as his Shamrag Majesty Boss O'Graft, the Shamrag
A political boss in New York, representing corrupt machine politics.
The Doctor
minor
Also known as the Doctor
A physician who appears in the narrative, possibly treating Khalid or others.
The Priest
minor
Also known as The priest
A generic priest figure in the narrative, possibly in a confessional or religious context.
Abbas Effendi
minor
A Baha'i leader mentioned in discussions of religion and reform.
Habib Ish Shidiak
minor
Also known as Habib
A Syrian writer or intellectual mentioned in the narrative.
Mr. Hoolihan
minor
Also known as the said Mr. Hoolihan
An American character, possibly a customer or acquaintance in New York.
Adjutant Bird
minor
Also known as The Adjutant Bird
A symbolic bird figure in Khalid's hermitage, representing wisdom or nature.
Monseigneur
minor
A high-ranking church official mentioned in the narrative.
The Bahaist Priestess
minor
A female religious figure associated with the Baha'i faith, mentioned in discussions.