Character guide

Barakah

major

Also known as Barakah

A central narrator and focal character, a eunuch servant in the harem.

Yûsuf Bey

major

Also known as Yûsuf, Madame, Yûsuf Bey Muhammad, Mary Madame Yûsuf Bey Mohamed

A prominent pasha and husband to multiple wives in the household.

Umm ed-Dahak

supporting

Also known as O Umm ed - Dahak, old Umm ed - Dahak, Old Umm ed - Dahak

An elderly, influential woman in the harem, often addressed with respect.

Gulbeyzah

supporting

A harem woman with a distinct personality and narrative presence.

Muhammad Pasha Sâlih

supporting

Also known as II Muhammad Pasha Sâlih, Muhammad Pasha, The Pasha, Pasha, Muhammad, the late Pasha

A deceased pasha referenced frequently, affecting living characters.

Fitnah Khânum

supporting

Also known as old Fitnah, Fitnah, Bring Fitnah Khânum

A senior woman in the harem, often involved in domestic affairs.

Yûsuf Pasha

supporting

Also known as Yûsuf, The Pasha, The old Pasha, Pasha, the Pasha

An older pasha, possibly distinct from Yûsuf Bey, with narrative weight.

Murjânah Khânum

supporting

Also known as Murjânah, old Murjânah

A harem woman with recurring dialogue and interactions.

Ghandûr

minor

Also known as XIV Ghandûr, XVI Ghandûr

A eunuch or servant character with multiple mentions.

Hamdi Bey

minor

Also known as Hamdi

A male character of some standing, possibly a relative or official.

Mrs. Cameron

minor

A European visitor or resident interacting with the household.

Tâhir

minor

A male servant or attendant in the narrative.

Bedr-ul-Budûr

minor

Also known as Bedr, Budûr

A named female character, possibly a younger woman in the harem.

Hâfiz Bey

minor

Also known as Hâfiz, young Hâfiz Bey, little Hâfiz

A young male character, possibly a son or junior official.

Amînah Khânum

minor

A harem woman with limited but distinct mentions.

Leylah Khânum

minor

Also known as Leylah

A named female character in the household.

Na’imah

minor

A female servant or harem member with a few mentions.

Fatûmah

minor

Also known as O Fatûmah

A minor female character addressed directly in the text.

Arâbi

minor

Also known as Ahmad Arâbi

A historical figure referenced as a character in the narrative.

Abu Sumûm

minor

A named minor character, possibly a servant or local figure.

Sawwâb

minor

A minor character with a handful of mentions.

Julia Long

minor

Also known as Julia

A European woman appearing in the story.

Afîfah

minor

A named female character with limited presence.

Selîm

minor

A male character mentioned in the narrative.

Saïd

minor

A minor character with a few proper mentions.