# Vathek — Vathek character guide

> Vathek in Vathek by William Beckford.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** the Caliph, the astonished Caliph

**First appearance:** 0001-vathek

## Who they are

The ninth Caliph of the Abassides, whose boundless curiosity and appetite for pleasure drive him toward a forbidden bargain no palace can satisfy.

## Relationships

### [Nouronihar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/nouronihar)

_romantic_

Nouronihar is Vathek's beloved, whom he pursues and ultimately corrupts with his ambition for forbidden knowledge and power.

### [Carathis](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/carathis)

_family_

Carathis is Vathek's mother, a manipulative and ambitious sorceress who encourages his descent into evil.

### [Bababalouk](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/bababalouk)

_professional_

Bababalouk is Vathek's chief eunuch and servant, who carries out his orders and suffers his whims.

### [The Indian](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/the_indian)

_psychological_

The Indian is a mysterious merchant who tempts Vathek with magical wares, sparking his obsessive quest for power.

### [Gulchenrouz](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/gulchenrouz)

_rivalry_

Vathek sees Gulchenrouz as a rival for Nouronihar's affection and ultimately causes his suffering.

### [Giaour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/giaour)

_psychological_

The Giaour is a demonic emissary who manipulates Vathek into signing a pact for power, leading to his damnation.

### [Fakreddin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/fakreddin)

_rivalry_

Fakreddin is the father of Nouronihar and Gulchenrouz, who opposes Vathek's influence over his family.

### [Muhammad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/muhammad)

_psychological_

Muhammad appears as a prophetic figure who warns Vathek against his sinful path, but is ignored.

### [Morakanabad](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/morakanabad)

_professional_

Morakanabad is Vathek's vizier, who advises him but is often disregarded in favor of darker pursuits.

### [Soliman Ben Daoud](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/soliman_ben_daoud)

_psychological_

Soliman Ben Daoud is a legendary king whose cursed fate serves as a warning to Vathek about the dangers of pride and forbidden knowledge.

### [Sutlememe](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/sutlememe)

_professional_

Sutlememe is a servant or courtier in Vathek's court, involved in his schemes.

### [Nouronihar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/nouronihar)

_romantic_

Nouronihar is Vathek's beloved, whom he pursues and ultimately corrupts with his ambition for forbidden knowledge and power.

## In the story

### [Vathek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/chapters/vathek)

The Caliph, described as majestic but terrible in anger, builder of five sensory palaces, consumed by curiosity and ambition.

### [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/chapters/endnotes)

Referenced in notes about his 'terrible eye' and profanation of ablution and prayer.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters/vathek
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/vathek_se/characters