# Vathek — Character guide

> Key figures in Vathek by William Beckford.

- [Vathek](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/vathek.md): The caliph whose insatiable thirst for knowledge and power leads him to a dark pact.
- [Nouronihar](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/nouronihar.md): The beautiful and ambitious niece of Fakreddin who becomes Vathek's companion in damnation.
- [Carathis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/carathis.md): Vathek's cunning and malevolent mother who encourages his quest for forbidden power.
- [Bababalouk](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/bababalouk.md): Vathek's chief eunuch, a loyal but often exasperated servant.
- [Gulchenrouz](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/gulchenrouz.md): A gentle, effeminate youth beloved by Nouronihar and sheltered by Fakreddin.
- [Fakreddin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/fakreddin.md): The pious emir and father of Nouronihar, who opposes Vathek's influence.
- [Giaour](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/giaour.md): A mysterious and malevolent stranger who tempts Vathek with promises of power.
- [Eblis](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/eblis.md): The prince of darkness who rules the subterranean realm of eternal fire.
- [Morakanabad](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/morakanabad.md): Vathek's vizier, who tries to counsel the caliph against his reckless pursuits.
- [Sutlememe](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/sutlememe.md): A servant in Vathek's palace, often tasked with carrying out orders.
- [Alboufaki](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/alboufaki.md): A dwarf and jester in Vathek's court, known for his grotesque antics.
- [Shaban](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/shaban.md): A servant who assists Bababalouk in the palace.
- [Cafour](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/cafour.md): A black slave who serves Carathis and participates in her schemes.
- [Nerkes](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/nerkes.md): A female attendant in the harem of Vathek.
- [Motavakel](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/motavakel.md): A caliph mentioned in the narrative as a historical figure.
- [Soliman Ben Daoud](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/soliman_ben_daoud.md): The ancient king who imprisoned the genii and is referenced in the tale.
- [Gian Ben Gian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/gian_ben_gian.md): A legendary king of the genii, mentioned in the backstory.
- [Muhammad](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/muhammad.md): The Islamic prophet, invoked in oaths and religious context.
- [The Indian](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/the_indian.md): A mysterious figure who brings Vathek magical swords and knowledge.
- [Ali Hassan](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vathek_se/characters/ali_hassan.md): A minor character mentioned in the narrative.

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