The Alchemist: Cast of Characters

Santiago: A shepherd boy hailing from Andalusia in southern Spain, he is the protagonist of this novel. Recurring dreams of a hidden treasure launch him on a quest that leads him to the distant land of the Egyptian pyramids.

Santiago’s father: Worried about his son’s decision, he tries to convince Santiago to not pursue his dream of traveling. However, upon realizing that Santiago cannot be persuaded to give up his dreams, he grants him his blessings and lends a helping hand by offering Santiago money to buy his own flock of sheep.

The merchant’s daughter: Santiago was fascinated by this woman who he had met a year before the events in this novel begin. He had nurtured dreams of settling down with her, but destiny had other plans. He never meets her again.

Gypsy woman: She reveals to Santiago the meaning of his recurring dreams. Santiago, however, finds her interpretation a bit too straightforward.

Melchizedek, the king of Salem: A powerful figure from the Old Testament, he appears before Santiago and reveals to him the true meaning of a Personal Legend. He urges Santiago to embark on the quest to pursue his dreams.

Bar owner: He tries to warn Santiago about the thief, but not knowing Arabic, Santiago fails to understand the bar owner’s words. Instead, Santiago trusts the words of the thief who speaks to him in Spanish, a language Santiago is familiar with.

Thief: A man who convinces Santiago that he will guide him to the Egyptian pyramids but steals Santiago’s money instead.

The candy seller: A man who followed his heart and fulfilled his Personal Legend, which was to sell candies in the market. Santiago helps him erect his stall. He offers Santiago a candy. They do not speak the same language but understand each other seamlessly.

The crystal merchant: Santiago meets this middle-aged man in Tangiers. He employs Santiago in his shop and helps him earn enough money to continue his quest. The merchant’s dream is to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca, but he knows he will never follow his heart, that his Personal Legend will remain unfulfilled.

The Englishman: A studious man fascinated with alchemy. He dreams of learning the craft from the renowned alchemist who is rumored to live in the oasis that lies between Tangier and the pyramids.

The camel herder: He is the one who helps Santiago cross the Sahara desert. Once upon a time the herder was a successful farmer; he had to look for a new profession when his orchards were ruined by the floods. He is someone from whom Santiago learns some very important lessons. Santiago ends up learning that wisdom can be found in unlikely places.

Fatima: She is a beautiful Arab woman who lives in the oasis. Santiago falls in love with her. She encourages Santiago to continue his journey even though she knows it would lead him away from her. She is the epitome of sacrifice and love.

The Alchemist: He is the title character in this novel. He is a man who is immensely knowledgeable. He lives in the oasis and can turn any metal into gold. He is the learned man who is Santiago’s spiritual guide and the one who urges Santiago to fulfil his own Personal Legend.

The tribal chieftain: He pays heed to Santiago’s warning of an impending attack, but also tells him that he will be killed if his prophecy turns out to be false. When Santiago’s words come to fruition, he is rewarded by the chieftain.

The chief of the military camp: A man of immense authority and power, he is fascinated by the possibility that Santiago may turn himself into the wind. The chief understands that Santiago has finally realized the glory of the Almighty.