Character guide

Khalid

major

Also known as Abu Khalid, Khalid the Baalbekian, Hamlet

The protagonist, a young Lebanese immigrant in New York who becomes a book salesman and later a hermit in Baalbek.

Shakib

major

Also known as O Shakib, My loving Brother Shakib

Khalid's close friend and fellow immigrant, a poet who remains in New York and corresponds with Khalid.

Najma

major

Also known as Poor Najma, Abu Najma

A young Syrian woman in New York whom Khalid loves; she later becomes a nun.

Mrs. Gotfry

supporting

Also known as The astute Mrs. Gotfry, the good Mrs. Gotfry

Khalid's and Shakib's employer in New York, a shrewd but kind-hearted woman.

Im Hanna

supporting

Also known as Hanna, Dear old Im Hanna

An elderly Syrian woman in New York who provides a link to the old country and cares for the young men.

Najib

minor

Also known as Little Najib

A young boy in the immigrant community, possibly a relative or neighbor of Khalid.

Sheikh Taleb

minor

Also known as The Sheikh

A religious leader in the Syrian community in New York who interacts with Khalid.

Prophet Jeremiah

minor

Also known as Jeremiah, Jerry, old Jerry

A biblical prophet referenced as a figure of lamentation and prophecy, appearing in Khalid's thoughts.

Father Farouche

minor

Also known as Farouche

A Catholic priest in New York who interacts with Khalid and the immigrant community.

Monsieur Pascal

minor

Also known as Pascal

A Frenchman in New York, possibly a shopkeeper or acquaintance of Khalid.

Ahmed Bey

minor

Also known as Whereupon Ahmed Bey

A Turkish official or notable mentioned in the narrative.

Father Abd'ul Messiah

minor

Also known as Abd'ul Messiah

A priest or religious figure in the Syrian Christian community.

Abbas Effendi

minor

A Baha'i leader mentioned in discussions of religion and reform.

Habib Ish Shidiak

minor

Also known as Habib

A Syrian writer or intellectual mentioned in the narrative.

Mr. Hoolihan

minor

Also known as the said Mr. Hoolihan

An American character, possibly a customer or acquaintance in New York.

Boss O'Graft

minor

Also known as his Shamrag Majesty Boss O'Graft, the Shamrag

A political boss in New York, representing corrupt machine politics.

Adjutant Bird

minor

Also known as The Adjutant Bird

A symbolic bird figure in Khalid's hermitage, representing wisdom or nature.

The Doctor

minor

Also known as the Doctor

A physician who appears in the narrative, possibly treating Khalid or others.

The Priest

minor

Also known as The priest

A generic priest figure in the narrative, possibly in a confessional or religious context.

Monseigneur

minor

A high-ranking church official mentioned in the narrative.

The Bahaist Priestess

minor

A female religious figure associated with the Baha'i faith, mentioned in discussions.