# The Book of Khalid — Character guide

> Key figures in The Book of Khalid by Ameen Rihani.

- [Khalid](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/khalid.md): The protagonist, a young Lebanese immigrant in New York who becomes a book salesman and later a hermit in Baalbek.
- [Shakib](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/shakib.md): Khalid's close friend and fellow immigrant, a poet who remains in New York and corresponds with Khalid.
- [Najma](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/najma.md): A young Syrian woman in New York whom Khalid loves; she later becomes a nun.
- [Mrs. Gotfry](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/gotfry.md): Khalid's and Shakib's employer in New York, a shrewd but kind-hearted woman.
- [Im Hanna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/im_hanna.md): An elderly Syrian woman in New York who provides a link to the old country and cares for the young men.
- [Najib](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/najib.md): A young boy in the immigrant community, possibly a relative or neighbor of Khalid.
- [Sheikh Taleb](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/sheikh_taleb.md): A religious leader in the Syrian community in New York who interacts with Khalid.
- [Prophet Jeremiah](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/prophet_jeremiah.md): A biblical prophet referenced as a figure of lamentation and prophecy, appearing in Khalid's thoughts.
- [Father Farouche](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/father_farouche.md): A Catholic priest in New York who interacts with Khalid and the immigrant community.
- [Monsieur Pascal](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/monsieur_pascal.md): A Frenchman in New York, possibly a shopkeeper or acquaintance of Khalid.
- [Ahmed Bey](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/ahmed_bey.md): A Turkish official or notable mentioned in the narrative.
- [Father Abd'ul Messiah](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/father_abdul_messiah.md): A priest or religious figure in the Syrian Christian community.
- [Abbas Effendi](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/abbas_effendi.md): A Baha'i leader mentioned in discussions of religion and reform.
- [Habib Ish Shidiak](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/habib_ish_shidiak.md): A Syrian writer or intellectual mentioned in the narrative.
- [Mr. Hoolihan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/mr_hoolihan.md): An American character, possibly a customer or acquaintance in New York.
- [Boss O'Graft](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/boss_ograft.md): A political boss in New York, representing corrupt machine politics.
- [Adjutant Bird](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/adjutant_bird.md): A symbolic bird figure in Khalid's hermitage, representing wisdom or nature.
- [The Doctor](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/the_doctor.md): A physician who appears in the narrative, possibly treating Khalid or others.
- [The Priest](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/the_priest.md): A generic priest figure in the narrative, possibly in a confessional or religious context.
- [Monseigneur](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/monseigneur.md): A high-ranking church official mentioned in the narrative.
- [The Bahaist Priestess](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters/the_bahaist_priestess.md): A female religious figure associated with the Baha'i faith, mentioned in discussions.

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_book_of_khalid_se/characters