Character guide

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.