The Shaving of Shagpat · Character

Baba Mustapha

A barber of the old school whose trade and counsel shape the young Shibli before prophecy takes him.

supporting

As a supporting figure in The Shaving of Shagpat, Baba Mustapha is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Shibli's uncle, a renowned barber in Shiraz, mentioned as a reference for Shibli's craft.

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Baba Mustapha belongs to the world of razors and shop-talk that Shibli Bagarag leaves behind when he sets out for Shagpat's city. As a father figure in the barbering craft, he represents the ordinary, honorable life that Shibli's ambition strains against. His presence grounds the early chapters in a tangible trade, making Shibli's leap into genies and enchanted asses feel like a genuine departure from something real.

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Character Web

18 connections

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Relationship types

Professional
Other

Character groups

Quest Allies and Antagonists
Protagonist
Bhanavar's Circle

+13 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

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

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This scene is the dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak of tension for the ant…

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Relationships

Shagpat
professional · ambivalent
Baba Mustapha is a barber who serves Shagpat, but his skills are ironically useless… How this plays out →
Shagpat
professional · ambivalent
Baba Mustapha is a barber who serves Shagpat, but his skills are ironically useless… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

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In the story

Baba Mustapha appears across 7 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Thwackings
Shibli's uncle, a renowned barber in Shiraz, mentioned as a reference for Shibli's craft.
Goorelka of Oolb
Mentioned as Shibli's uncle who was bastinadoed by the King of Oolb; his fate stirs Shibli's emotions.
The Sons of Aklis
Shibli recounts anecdotes about his uncle Baba Mustapha's loquacity, amusing the youths.
The Plot
Shibli's uncle, a gabbler, who is to be brought to the city and tricked into attempting to shave Shagpat.
The Dish of Pomegranate Grain
The barber who attempted to shave Shagpat; the people clamor for his sacrifice.
The Burning of the Identical
Forced to attempt shaving Shagpat again; he is terrified, delays, and is hurled back when the Identical rises.
Conclusion
Pronounced Sovereign of Oolb as a reward.

Chapter companion notes

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