# Vathek — Character guide

> Key figures in Vathek by William Beckford.

- [Vathek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/vathek.md): The ninth Caliph of the Abassides, whose boundless curiosity and appetite for pleasure drive him toward a forbidden bargain no palace can satisfy.
- [Nouronihar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/nouronihar.md): A proud, ambitious beauty whose craving for wonders makes her a dangerous match for any power that promises more than the world can offer.
- [Carathis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/carathis.md): Vathek's formidable mother, steeped in dark learning, who stokes his hunger for forbidden power rather than restraining it.
- [Bababalouk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/bababalouk.md): The Caliph's long-suffering chief eunuch, tasked with managing his master's excesses and forever caught between duty and exasperation.
- [Gulchenrouz](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/gulchenrouz.md): A tender, delicate youth whose gentle charms win devotion, standing in quiet contrast to the grandeur and cruelty around him.
- [Fakreddin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/fakreddin.md): A pious emir whose devout household and sheltered family become an unexpected obstacle to the Caliph's restless designs.
- [Giaour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/giaour.md): The Giaour arrives at Vathek's court as a merchant of exotic wares, but his true commodity is temptation: he alone can satisfy the Caliph's restless curiosity for things beyond mortal knowledge. Where Vathek's five palac
- [Eblis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/eblis.md): Eblis rules the underworld of flame and shadow, a fallen prince whose court is peopled by those who traded their salvation for forbidden knowledge. He is not a tempter in the manner of the Giaour; he is the destination —
- [Morakanabad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/morakanabad.md): Vathek's vizier, who tries to counsel the caliph against his reckless pursuits.
- [Sutlememe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/sutlememe.md): A servant in Vathek's palace, often tasked with carrying out orders.
- [Alboufaki](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/alboufaki.md): A dwarf and jester in Vathek's court, known for his grotesque antics.
- [Soliman Ben Daoud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/soliman_ben_daoud.md): The ancient king who imprisoned the genii and is referenced in the tale.
- [Muhammad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/muhammad.md): The Islamic prophet, invoked in oaths and religious context.
- [The Indian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/the_indian.md): A mysterious figure who brings Vathek magical swords and knowledge.

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