# The Book of Khalid — Character guide

> Key figures in The Book of Khalid by Ameen Rihani.

- [Khalid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/khalid.md): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/shakib.md): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/najma.md): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/gotfry.md): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/im_hanna.md): An elderly Syrian woman in New York whose motherly presence keeps the young immigrants tethered to the old country's warmth and grief.
- [Najib](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/najib.md): A young boy in the immigrant community, possibly a relative or neighbor of Khalid.
- [Sheikh Taleb](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/sheikh_taleb.md): A religious leader in the Syrian community in New York who interacts with Khalid.
- [Prophet Jeremiah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/prophet_jeremiah.md): A biblical prophet referenced as a figure of lamentation and prophecy, appearing in Khalid's thoughts.
- [Father Farouche](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/father_farouche.md): A Catholic priest in New York who interacts with Khalid and the immigrant community.
- [Monsieur Pascal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/monsieur_pascal.md): A Frenchman in New York, possibly a shopkeeper or acquaintance of Khalid.
- [Ahmed Bey](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/ahmed_bey.md): A Turkish official or notable mentioned in the narrative.
- [Father Abd'ul Messiah](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/father_abdul_messiah.md): A priest or religious figure in the Syrian Christian community.
- [Boss O'Graft](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/boss_ograft.md): A political boss in New York, representing corrupt machine politics.
- [The Doctor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/the_doctor.md): A physician who appears in the narrative, possibly treating Khalid or others.
- [The Priest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/the_priest.md): A generic priest figure in the narrative, possibly in a confessional or religious context.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters