The Shaving of Shagpat · Character

Feshnavat

Vizier of Shiraz who pins his hopes on a barber's apprentice, wagering his daughter and his city on a prophecy he only half believes.

supporting

Also known as Vizier Feshnavat

First appearance: The Thwackings

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

The Vizier of the city, who reveals his enmity toward Shagpat and enlists Shibli's help, introducing his daughter Noorna.

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Feshnavat moves through the court of Shiraz as a man of statecraft and secret ambition, the father of Noorna bin Noorka and the patron who first sets Shibli Bagarag toward the impossible task of shaving Shagpat. His tension is that of a schemer who must trust a youth he cannot fully control, and who is watched in turn by powers he cannot see — he consults with Baba Mustapha on a rooftop while a genie hovers overhead. He matters because his bargain gives the early quest its shape and its stakes: a wager of daughter, throne, and fate.

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See Feshnavat in The Thwackings

Character Web

26 connections

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

Relationship types

Professional
Family
Rivalry
Other

Character groups

Bhanavar's Circle
Protagonist
Quest Allies and Antagonists

+21 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

Shibli Bagarag
professional · positive
Feshnavat is a barber and mentor who instructs Shibli in the art of shaving and the… How this plays out →
Noorna bin Noorka
family · positive
Bhanavar the Beautiful
professional · ambivalent
Shagpat
rivalry · negative
Shagpat
rivalry · negative
Shibli Bagarag
professional · positive
Feshnavat is a barber and mentor who instructs Shibli in the art of shaving and the… How this plays out →
Noorna bin Noorka
family · positive
Shibli Bagarag
professional · positive
Feshnavat is a barber and mentor who instructs Shibli in the art of shaving and the… How this plays out →
Bhanavar the Beautiful
professional · ambivalent
Noorna bin Noorka
family · positive
Shagpat
rivalry · negative

Shibli Bagarag
Feshnavat is a barber and mentor who instructs Shibli in the art of shaving and the magical properties of the task.
Noorna bin Noorka
Feshnavat is Noorna's father, and they share a close familial bond with mutual respect and magical collaboration.
Bhanavar the Beautiful
Bhanavar seeks Feshnavat's barbering skills and magical knowledge, creating a transactional relationship.
Shagpat
Feshnavat is an enemy of Shagpat, as his barbering art is key to Shagpat's downfall.
Shagpat
Feshnavat is an enemy of Shagpat, as his barbering art is key to Shagpat's downfall.
Shibli Bagarag
Feshnavat is a barber and mentor who instructs Shibli in the art of shaving and the magical properties of the task.
Noorna bin Noorka
Feshnavat is Noorna's father, and they share a close familial bond with mutual respect and magical collaboration.
Shibli Bagarag
Feshnavat is a barber and mentor who instructs Shibli in the art of shaving and the magical properties of the task.
Bhanavar the Beautiful
Bhanavar seeks Feshnavat's barbering skills and magical knowledge, creating a transactional relationship.
Noorna bin Noorka
Feshnavat is Noorna's father, and they share a close familial bond with mutual respect and magical collaboration.
Shagpat
Feshnavat is an enemy of Shagpat, as his barbering art is key to Shagpat's downfall.

Relationship notes

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

See Feshnavat in The Thwackings

In the story

Feshnavat appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Thwackings
The Vizier of the city, who reveals his enmity toward Shagpat and enlists Shibli's help, introducing his daughter Noorna.
The Betrothal
Vizier of the city and Noorna's father; he arranges the betrothal to bind Shibli to the undertaking.
The Genie Karaz
Participates in the consultation about the obstacles to shaving Shagpat and expresses fear of Shagpat's power.
The Well of Paravid
Mentioned as the Vizier from whom Noorna and Shibli depart at the start of the journey.
Koorookh
Seen walking in fetters, turban off, in a robe of drab-coloured stuff, scorned by the crowd.
The Revival
Dressed as a Dervish at the lake; greets Noorna and Shibli with congratulations.
The Plot
Receives instructions from Shibli to induce Baba Mustapha to attempt shaving Shagpat, then to challenge Shagpat in the King's hall.
The Dish of Pomegranate Grain
Vizier and father of Noorna; he expresses fear and doubt about the undertaking.
Conclusion
Became the Master's Vizier.

Chapter companion notes

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See Feshnavat in The Thwackings