The Four Feathers · Character

Abou Fatma

A Kababish tribesman who once risked his life to recover the Gordon letters from Berber, and whose name surfaces years later in Durrance's careful questioning of Willoughby.

supporting

Also known as Abou

First appearance: X: The Wells of Obak

As a supporting figure in The Four Feathers, Abou Fatma is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A Kababish Arab, former servant of Gordon, who delivers news of a hidden letter.

In the storyVII: The Last ReconnaissanceOpen this moment free

See Abou Fatma in VII: The Last Reconnaissance Book page

Free preview opens at this moment — character cards, Character Web, and themes sit beside the text as you read.

Abou Fatma belongs to the world of desert errands and dangerous commissions—the man who hid the Gordon letters in Berber and undertook a job at the risk of his life for no obvious reason once Gordon was dead. His name becomes a wedge in Durrance's conversation with Willoughby, exposing the latter's unease and hinting at debts Feversham may have incurred. He matters as a shadowy figure whose past deeds quietly connect the Sudan to the drawing rooms of England.

Continue beside the text

The fuller portrait of Abou Fatma sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Abou Fatma in X: The Wells of Obak

Character Web

15 connections

A slice of how Abou Fatma sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Central and Supporting Characters

+10 more in the full Character Web

Open in reader

Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Calder’s shout—interrupted mid-sentence—marks the emotional and psychological peak because it shatters his det…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

Follow the arc while reading

Relationships

Harry Feversham
friendship · positive
Abou Fatma is a loyal companion and guide to Harry during his time in the desert, forming… How this plays out →
Harry Feversham
friendship · positive
Abou Fatma is a loyal companion and guide to Harry during his time in the desert, forming… How this plays out →
Harry Feversham
friendship · positive
Abou Fatma is a loyal companion and guide to Harry during his time in the desert, forming… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Abou Fatma in X: The Wells of Obak

In the story

Abou Fatma appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

VII: The Last Reconnaissance
A Kababish Arab, former servant of Gordon, who delivers news of a hidden letter.
X: The Wells of Obak
A loyal ally who receives the message from the donkey and passes it to Feversham, showing his continued support.
XXIX: Colonel Trench Assumes a Knowledge of Chemistry
Waits with camels but is forced to leave without the prisoners; later returns with supplies.
XXX: The Last of the Southern Cross
Guides the escape, providing camels, arms, and crucial information about the pursuit.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Abou Fatma unlock in the free preview.

See Abou Fatma in X: The Wells of Obak

See Abou Fatma in VII: The Last Reconnaissance